At least seven passengers were killed and 11 others suffered injuries when a private bus skidded, overturned, and plunged onto a lower road in Himachal Pradesh’s Chamba district on Saturday morning. The fatal accident took place around 7:15 AM near Chalunj Mor along the Bairagarh-Tissa route. The bus was traveling from Bairagarh towards Chamba town when the driver lost control of the vehicle on a sharp curve.
The accident occurred along a treacherous 27-kilometer mountain stretch located in the remote Churah Valley. Known for its narrow roads, unpaved edges, and steep drop-offs, this stretch serves as a vital transit link leading toward the high-altitude Sach Pass. Police officials noted that the deceased included both the bus driver and the conductor.
Local Residents Launch Initial Rescue Operations
Hearing the loud crash and the screams of trapped passengers, local villagers rushed to the scene immediately. Residents began pulling survivors from the crushed metal frame before emergency administrative teams reached the remote location.
Shortly after, joint rescue teams comprising personnel from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), state police, Fire Services, Home Guards, and local revenue officers arrived to organize official relief efforts.
Authorities deployed backhoe loaders and heavy machinery to lift the overturned chassis and clear debris. First responders worked cautiously to extricate passengers trapped beneath the vehicle’s wreckage. Officials noted that quick action by nearby residents helped stabilize several injured passengers during the critical first hour.
Injured Shifted to Hospitals as Investigation Begins
Emergency services rushed all 11 injured passengers to nearby health centers for immediate triage. Medical teams subsequently referred six individuals with severe injuries to Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru Government Medical College and Hospital in Chamba for specialized care.
Chamba Superintendent of Police Vijay Saklani confirmed that officers are currently verifying the exact identities of all victims and notifying their families.
Police opened a formal investigation to determine the precise cause of the crash. Investigators are examining whether mechanical failure, brake collapse, or poor road conditions triggered the mishap.
State authorities noted that heavy monsoon rains across the region have made narrow Himalayan transit routes increasingly hazardous, raising overall road safety risks.
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