Seven people were killed and 11 others injured when a private bus overturned on a mountain road in Chamba district of Himachal Pradesh on Saturday morning, according to police reports. The accident occurred around 7:15am near Chalunj Mor on the Bairagarh-Tissa route, a section known for its steep drops and narrow paths. The bus, which was traveling from Bairagarh, approximately 90 kilometers from the district headquarters, to Chamba, skidded off the road and crashed into a lower section of the path. Local residents quickly responded to the crash, rushing to assist the stranded passengers and alerting authorities. Police confirmed that the bus had covered only a short distance before the accident. The exact cause of the crash is still under investigation, though the incident happened amid continuous rainfall in the area, which likely contributed to hazardous driving conditions. Among the deceased were Jagdev Sharma, Desraj, Jagdei, and Hardei, all from Bahla village; Tej Singh from Satyas village; Neelam from Devikothi village; and the bus driver, Rup Singh, from Chilli village. The injured were taken to nearby health facilities, with six of them requiring specialized care and being transferred to Pt Jawaharlal Nehru Government Medical College and Hospital in Chamba. A coordinated rescue effort involving the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), state police, Home Guards, fire services, and the revenue department was launched immediately after the accident. Local volunteers played a crucial role in evacuating the victims and providing initial medical aid. The operation focused on ensuring prompt treatment for the injured and recovering the bodies of the deceased. Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his condolences to the families of the victims, stating that the loss of life was deeply saddening and offering prayers for the recovery of those injured. Similarly, Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu extended his sympathies, instructing the district administration to ensure timely medical attention for the injured. He emphasized the need for immediate action to support the affected families. The accident occurred against the backdrop of severe monsoon conditions in Himachal Pradesh, which have led to widespread disruptions. Heavy rains, landslides, and flash floods have damaged roads and infrastructure, causing delays in transportation and impacting essential services. According to official data, from June 30 to August 8, the state has recorded 66 disaster-related deaths, with Lahaul and Spiti reporting the highest number at 14, followed by Kangra with 11. Additionally, 86 people have died in separate traffic accidents during the same period. Monsoon-related incidents have also resulted in two missing persons and 240 injured individuals. Over 197 livestock animals have been reported dead, highlighting the broader impact of the weather conditions. The prolonged adverse weather has caused extensive damage to residential and commercial properties, further complicating recovery efforts. Authorities continue to assess the situation, focusing on both the immediate aftermath of the accident and long-term preparedness for future monsoon seasons. Officials warn that the region remains vulnerable to similar incidents due to the challenging terrain and unpredictable weather patterns. Efforts are underway to reinforce safety measures along critical routes and improve emergency response capabilities.
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