Punjab Newsline | Chamba
A tragic road accident occurred on Saturday morning on the Bairagarh–Chamba road in Chamba district’s Churah subdivision of Himachal Pradesh, leaving at least eight people dead and several others seriously injured.
According to preliminary reports, a private bus belonging to Sharma Travellers was travelling from Bairagarh to Chamba when it suddenly went out of control near Chaluj Bend close to Devi Kothi and plunged off the road onto another road passing below.
Officials said the deceased include the bus driver and conductor. Around seven injured passengers are reported to be in critical condition and are undergoing treatment.
Bus had travelled only 3 km before the accident
Initial investigations suggest that the bus left Bairagarh for Chamba at around 6:30 am. After covering only about three kilometres, the driver reportedly lost control of the vehicle near Chaluj Bend, causing it to fall down the hillside.
There were reportedly 15 to 16 passengers on board at the time of the accident.
Villagers launch immediate rescue operation
As soon as the accident came to light, local villagers rushed to the spot and began rescue operations. After strenuous efforts, they managed to pull the injured passengers out of the badly damaged bus and sent them to Civil Hospital Tissa for emergency treatment.
Rescue teams are continuing operations at the site and efforts are being made to upright the bus. Authorities fear that more passengers may still be trapped under the wreckage.
Police and administration reach the spot
Confirming the incident, Chamba Superintendent of Police Vijay Kumar Saklani said that police teams and administrative officials were immediately dispatched to the accident site for relief and rescue work.
“The injured have been shifted to Civil Hospital Tissa for treatment. A case has been registered and the cause of the accident will be investigated,” the SP said.
The exact reason behind the accident is yet to be determined, and further details are awaited as the rescue operation continues.
