A tragic accident unfolded early Thursday morning when a Himachal Road Transport Corporation (HRTC) bus carrying approximately 30–35 passengers veered off the winding Sarkaghat–Jamni–Durgapur road. The bus plunged roughly 25 to 150 metres into a deep gorge near the Maseran–Tarangla stretch, resulting in at least seven fatalities and injuring more than twenty passengers, some critically.
Chaotic Rescue Amid Monsoon Hazards
Dense morning fog and slick roads – common in mid-July in the Himalayas – are believed to have contributed to the bus losing control on a sharp curve. Local residents sprang into action at the first signs of the crash, rushing to the steep ravine to assist before emergency teams could arrive. District police, ambulance crews, and volunteers worked through difficult terrain using ropes and stretchers to reach crash victims and ferry them to safety.
Hospital Admissions and Critical Care Transfers
At the Sarkaghat Civil Hospital, around twenty passengers were administered first aid. Among these, three with serious injuries, including head trauma and fractures, were transferred to AIIMS Bilaspur for specialist treatment. All deceased victims have been shifted to the medical college for post-mortem procedures. Authorities are still identifying the deceased and informing their families.
Political Support and Infrastructure Concerns
Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu expressed deep sorrow over the accident, ordered immediate medical aid for survivors, and announced compensation packages. Deputy Chief Minister Mukesh Agnihotri visited the site to oversee relief efforts and ensured coordination with police and disaster management teams. Local MLA Dilip Thakur raised concerns about the civil hospital’s lack of ultrasound equipment and ambulance availability, promising to push these issues in the upcoming assembly session.
What’s Behind the Crash?
Police are investigating whether a combination of monsoon rain, fog-induced low visibility, sharp road bends, and possible brake or driver error led to the disaster. Preliminary hints include skid marks on curves and no immediate reports of vehicle malfunction. Commercial bus routes in hilly terrain are often subject to such risks during monsoons, despite frequent warnings issued by authorities.
A Broader Safety Crisis on Himachal’s Hills
This incident is not isolated. Similar tragedies have occurred – most recently, a private bus skidded into a gorge at Patrighat in June, killing one and injuring eighteen; earlier this month, another bus accident near Sarkaghat tragically claimed two lives and injured twenty-five. These repeated incidents underline the urgent need for reinforced road safety measures.
Residents and safety experts stress that narrow roads, absent crash barriers, insufficient lighting, steep gradients, and increasing tourist and commercial traffic have turned several stretches into accident hotspots. While hilly roads cannot be widened easily, partial solutions include installing guardrails, reflective signboards, speed cameras, and enforcing vehicle maintenance standards. Moreover, regular training for local and contract drivers in monsoon driving could prevent further tragedies.
Next Steps: Investigations and Safety Measures
A thorough inquiry has been ordered, involving local police, transport officials, and road authorities. They will compile accident logs, vehicle fitness reports, driver records, and weather data to assign responsibility. The state’s disaster management wing is expected to conduct safety audits of similar stretches.
On the medical front, patient stabilisation and continued care remain critical. Families of the deceased are expected to receive ₹2 lakh in compensation; those severely injured could receive ₹50,000 under state ex-gratia policy. Further support is being coordinated for survivors’ transport and recovery costs.
A Collective Call for Action
Every life lost in such accidents is avoidable. This tragedy must serve as a turning point for Himachal Pradesh and similar mountain states. Ensuring safer roads requires coordinated action – investment in infrastructure, advanced driver training, emergency preparedness, and community awareness.
As the monsoon continues to bring lanes of fog and rain, mountain states must commit to pro-active road safety. Until then, passengers will keep boarding buses with a whisper of uncertainty, praying the journey doesn’t become their final one.
Photo Credit: ABP News
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