One dead, nine injured as bus falls into gorge on Mandi’s Chailchowk-Jahl route
Photo used for indicative purpose only. Source: Internet
Mandi, Aug 1,
A 44-year-old woman was killed and nine others injured when a private bus plunged into a deep gorge near Tuna on the Bahu-Chailchowk-Jahl road in Mandi district on Thursday evening.
The incident occurred near Kashawari when the Sheetla Bus Service was returning from Jahl to Chailchowk. According to eyewitnesses, the driver lost control while negotiating a sharp bend on the narrow hilly road, causing the vehicle to roll down a steep ravine.
Local residents rushed to the scene and launched an immediate rescue operation. The injured passengers were shifted to the Civil Hospital in Gohar with the help of villagers and emergency teams.
The deceased has been identified as Nirmala (44), wife of Kishori, a resident of Naun village. The injured include Sapna Devi (Shala), Buddhi Devi, Bharti, and Meera Devi (Taraur), Aman Thakur (Naled), conductor Prakash (Segli), Meena Devi, Chandra Devi, and Bhama Devi (Naun).
Sub-Divisional Magistrate Bachitar Singh confirmed the fatality and said that the administration had coordinated with locals to ensure timely rescue and medical assistance. Additional SP Sagar Chandra stated that a case of negligent driving has been registered against the bus driver. A detailed investigation is underway to determine the exact cause of the mishap.
The Bahu-Chailchowk-Jahl route, commonly used by private buses, is notorious for its narrow, poorly maintained roads and lack of safety infrastructure. Local residents have long raised concerns about frequent accidents, urging authorities to impose stricter checks on private bus operators and upgrade road safety measures.
This tragic accident adds to the growing list of monsoon-related road mishaps in Himachal Pradesh this year. As per official figures, till July 31, as many as 173 people have lost their lives in rain-related incidents across the state. Of these, 85 fatalities were caused by road accidents, highlighting the urgent need for safer road conditions and responsible driving, especially during the monsoon season.
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