A tragic road accident on the Chamunda-Dharamsala road in Himachal Pradesh claimed the lives of four pilgrims from Punjab and left 25 others injured on Thursday morning. According to The Tribune, the victims were on their way to offer prayers at the revered Chamunda Devi temple when the bus they were travelling in lost control and overturned on a sharp bend.
Accident Details
According to police reports, the incident occurred around 8 am when the driver allegedly lost control of the vehicle on a winding stretch near Chamunda. The bus skidded and overturned, trapping several passengers inside. Panic ensued as the vehicle came to rest on its side, and the cries of the injured echoed in the otherwise serene valley.
Locals and passersby immediately rushed to help, pulling victims out of the damaged bus even before rescue teams arrived. The accident site, situated on a slope, made the evacuation challenging, but coordinated efforts ensured the injured were moved quickly.
Rescue and Medical Response
Police teams, State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) personnel, and local volunteers worked together to rescue the passengers. The injured were rushed to Dr. Rajendra Prasad Government Medical College (Tanda Medical College) in Kangra for treatment. Officials confirmed that some victims are in critical condition and are receiving intensive care.
Kangra Superintendent of Police, Shalini Agnihotri, confirmed that immediate medical attention was provided to all the injured. “Our priority is to save lives and provide support to the families. We have also set up a help desk for relatives,” she said.
Victims and Identification Process
Preliminary investigations revealed that the deceased pilgrims hailed from various districts of Punjab. Their identities are being confirmed, and families are being informed. Authorities have assured that post-mortem examinations will be conducted promptly to facilitate the transportation of the bodies back to their hometowns.
Eyewitness Accounts and Allegations
Several survivors have alleged that the bus was speeding despite repeated warnings from passengers. One injured pilgrim, speaking from his hospital bed, recounted, “We had told the driver to slow down as the road was curvy, but he did not listen. Suddenly, the bus swerved and rolled over.”
Local residents claim that the curve where the accident happened has been the site of multiple mishaps in the past due to overspeeding and lack of proper cautionary signage.
Official Statements and Condolences
Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister and Punjab Chief Minister both expressed deep sorrow over the tragedy. They announced ex-gratia payments for the families of the deceased and assured that the injured will receive financial and medical assistance. “Our thoughts are with the victims’ families during this difficult time,” said the Punjab CM in an official statement.
Road Safety Concerns on Hill Routes
The accident has reignited concerns about road safety on hilly terrains, where over-speeding and negligence often lead to fatal consequences. Residents and safety experts are urging authorities to install speed limit signs, set up crash barriers, and increase patrolling along risky stretches.
Transportation authorities have also called for mandatory training for drivers operating on mountain routes to prevent such accidents. “Hill driving is very different from plain roads. Drivers must be skilled and alert at every bend,” said a senior traffic officer.
Ongoing Investigation
Police have registered a case and initiated an investigation to determine whether the mishap was caused by driver negligence, mechanical failure, or other factors. The bus will undergo a technical inspection to rule out brake or steering issues.
A Reminder of Pilgrimage Risks
The Chamunda Devi temple, located in the Kangra Valley, attracts thousands of devotees each year. While such pilgrimages bring spiritual fulfillment, they also involve long journeys through challenging terrain, making safety precautions vital. This incident stands as a grim reminder of the importance of vigilance, preparedness, and responsible driving to ensure that such journeys remain safe.
Photo Credit: The Tribune
For more stories click here
Follow us for latest updates:
