8 Dead, 10 Injured as Private Bus Tumbles in Himachal's Chamba

At least eight people, including the driver and conductor, were killed and 10 others injured when a private bus overturned and fell onto a lower road near Chalunj Mor in the Devikothi area of Himachal Pradesh's Chamba district on Saturday morning.

The accident occurred on the Bairagarh-Tissa road, a 27-kilometre mountain stretch in the remote Churah Valley, as the bus operated by Sharma Bus Service was travelling from Bairagarh to Chamba. According to officials, the vehicle had left Bairagarh around 6:30 am and met with the accident after covering nearly three kilometres.

The bus was carrying 18 people at the time of the crash. The vehicle overturned before plunging onto a road below, leaving several passengers trapped under the wreckage. Hearing cries for help, local residents rushed to the spot and alerted the police.

Rescue teams comprising personnel from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), Police, Home Guards, Fire Services and the Revenue Department launched an operation to extricate passengers from the damaged bus and shift the injured to hospitals. Of the 10 injured, six sustained serious injuries and were referred to Pt Jawaharlal Nehru Government Medical College and Hospital in Chamba for treatment.

The Chamba District Disaster Management Authority confirmed that eight people lost their lives in the accident, while 10 others were injured. The identities of the victims have not yet been officially released. Authorities have launched an investigation to ascertain the cause of the accident.

The Bairagarh-Tissa road is known for its narrow stretches and steep gradients, making it a challenging route for drivers. It serves as an important link for travellers heading towards the high-altitude Sach Pass, a popular but treacherous mountain pass in the region. Accidents have been reported on this road in the past, often attributed to poor visibility, sharp curves and the absence of safety barriers.

District officials said that the rescue operation was completed within a few hours of the incident. “We received information about the accident and immediately dispatched teams. The injured were rushed to nearby health facilities,” said a police officer at the scene, requesting anonymity as he was not authorised to speak to the media.

The tragedy has prompted local residents to renew demands for better road infrastructure and stricter enforcement of safety norms for private bus operators. Community leaders have urged the state transport department to conduct a thorough inspection of the vehicle and the road conditions.

Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu expressed grief over the loss of lives and directed officials to ensure timely treatment for the injured. In a statement, he announced an ex gratia payment of Rs 5 lakh to the families of the deceased and Rs 1 lakh to those seriously injured. “The state government is committed to providing all possible assistance to the affected families,” the statement read.

The investigation will focus on the condition of the bus, including its brakes and tyres, as well as the driver's experience and the speed at which the vehicle was travelling. Police have registered a case and are examining all evidence. Officials have also said that a detailed report will be submitted after the inquiry.

Meanwhile, the tragic incident has cast a shadow over the region, with villagers gathering to comfort the grieving families. The bodies are being sent for post-mortem, and the district administration has made arrangements for their timely handover.

This accident is a grim reminder of the vulnerabilities faced by commuters on hilly terrains, where a moment of negligence or a mechanical failure can lead to devastating consequences. The need for preventive measures, including regular vehicle inspections, enhanced road safety features and public awareness campaigns, remains critical.