A tragic bus accident in the remote Haripurdhar area of Sirmaur district, Himachal Pradesh, has resulted in the deaths of 14 people, including two young children, and left 64 others injured. The private bus, which was reportedly carrying more than double its permitted capacity, veered off the road and fell approximately 150 metres into a deep gorge on Friday afternoon.
Posthumous FIR and Overcrowding Blamed
Himachal Pradesh Police have registered a First Information Report (FIR) for death due to negligent driving against the bus driver, Balbir Singh, who also perished in the crash. The FIR was filed at the Sangrah police station. Senior police officials confirmed that severe overcrowding was a primary factor, with the 36-seater mini-bus carrying at least 78 passengers at the time of the accident around 2:45 pm.
Sirmaur Superintendent of Police, Nishchint Singh Negi, stated that investigations are ongoing but preliminary findings suggest the bus lost balance while negotiating a curve. "It is certain that had the bus not been overcrowded, there was a possibility it might not have lost balance," SP Negi said. Eyewitness accounts suggesting the bus skidded due to solid dew on the road are being verified.
Heroic Rescue and Grim Aftermath
The accident scene witnessed immediate and heroic efforts by local residents and passersby. With the bus severely damaged—its roof and tyres detached—nearly 100 people gathered to manually lift the vehicle's body to rescue passengers trapped underneath. In the absence of immediate advanced medical aid, the injured were carried up the steep slope on backs and shoulders. In some cases, shawls were used as makeshift stretchers to drag victims to safety on the road above.
Among the 14 deceased were two nephews of the bus owner, Pratap Singh: nine-year-old Riyanshi and four-year-old Kayan. Other victims have been identified as Himanshi, Heema, Sanam, Balbir Singh, Vilam Singh, Promila Devi, Surat Singh, Suman, Ramesh, Mohan Singh, Priyanka, and Salochna Devi.
Questions on Vehicle Fitness and Political Response
The tragedy has raised serious questions about vehicle fitness and regulatory oversight. Sources revealed that the bus was purchased in 2008 and was due for its fitness certificate renewal next month, although its permit was valid until 2028.
The state government has ordered a high-level probe into the accident. Deputy Chief Minister Mukesh Agnihotri, who holds the transport portfolio, visited the injured at hospitals in Nahan and Solan. The bus was en route from Solan to Kupvi when the accident occurred.
Shimla MP Suresh Kashyap also visited the injured at Dr YS Parmar Medical College in Nahan. A district administration spokesperson provided details on the treatment: Out of 20 patients brought to the medical college, three were referred to PGIMER Chandigarh in critical condition, three were discharged, and 14 remain under treatment in orthopedics and surgery wards.
The Aam Aadmi Party's state spokesperson, Dr Rajesh Channa, expressed grief and demanded a magisterial inquiry. He pointed to poor road conditions, lack of maintenance, and rampant violation of safety norms as recurring causes for frequent accidents in the hill state.
