8 dead, several injured as private bus plunges into gorge in Himachal’s Sirmaur

PTC Web Desk: At least eight persons lost their lives and several others were injured after a private bus met with a tragic accident near Haripurdhar in Sirmaur district of Himachal Pradesh.

The bus was en route from Solan to Haripurdhar when it reportedly lost control and plunged into a deep gorge. The impact was severe, leaving the bus completely mangled, with debris scattered across the area.

Himachal Pradesh SP, Sirmaur, Nishchint Singh Negi said eight deaths had been reported in the bus accident. The bus on way to Shimla  from Kupvi rolled down the road near Haripurdhar in Sirmaur district. He said the death toll could rise. The SP said 30-35 persons were in the bus at the time of the accident. 

Eyewitnesses said the accident triggered panic and chaos, as cries for help echoed through the area moments after the bus crashed. Locals rushed to the spot and informed the authorities, following which police, district administration  and rescue teams were immediately dispatched.

Relief and rescue operations are currently underway, with officials working to evacuate the injured and recover bodies from the gorge. The injured passengers have been shifted to nearby hospitals, where several are stated to be in critical condition.

Senior district officials have reached the site to supervise rescue efforts. The exact cause of the accident is yet to be ascertained. An investigation has been initiated by the police.