Two die 22 wounded HRTC Bus plunged into deep gorge
Shimla, July 15
An Himachal Road Transport Corporation (HRTC) bus travelling on Rampur -Khadan Kotadhar – Kholighat route-met with a serious accident on Wednesday evening after reportedly skidding off the road and plunging into a deep gorge near Kotla Nallah in Shimla district.
According to preliminary information, the accident occurred at around 6:30 pm. Two passengers died and 22 suffered injuries initial reports indicated that many occupants sustained grievous injuries. Rescue teams and local residents rushed to the spot and began efforts to retrieve the injured from the difficult terrain.
Driver of bus brought dead in Hospital while one died on the spot. 22 wounded were hospitalized after the mishap.
Former CPI(M) MLA Rakesh Singha alleged that despite the gravity of the accident, no ambulance had reached the site even by 8:45 pm. He said the rescue operation was delayed because of the remoteness of the accident location and the challenging terrain.
Singha urged the district administration to immediately arrange ambulances and ensure that critically injured passengers are shifted to Indira Gandhi Medical College (IGMC), Shimla, after being provided first aid at Kumarsain. He described the accident as “very serious” and stressed that every passing minute was crucial for saving lives.
The mishap comes at a time when several roads in the Rampur region have been affected by the ongoing monsoon, with heavy rainfall and landslides disrupting traffic and public transport services over the past few days.
Officials were yet to issue an official statement on the cause of the accident, the number of passengers involved or the extent of casualties. Police and local administration were stated to be monitoring the rescue operation, while more details were awaited.
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