In a harrowing incident on Thursday morning, approximately a dozen passengers narrowly escaped serious injury when the private bus they were travelling in rolled about 40 metres down a road in the Bhattiyat area of Chamba district, Himachal Pradesh.
Minor Injuries Reported, One Woman Referred to Hospital
While most passengers sustained only minor injuries in the accident, an injured woman was referred to the Government Medical College and Hospital in Tanda for further treatment. Eyewitnesses reported that the accident occurred around 9 am near Samot village.
Bus Moved While Parked, Stopped After Colliding with Trees
According to accounts from the scene, the parked bus unexpectedly started moving down the road and came to a halt after colliding with several trees. Fortunately, the vehicle did not overturn during the incident and stopped near a natural water source among the trees.
The driver and conductor of the bus were outside the vehicle at the time of the accident, reportedly waiting for passengers when the mishap occurred. A police officer stated that the exact cause of the accident is under investigation, but preliminary findings suggest it might have happened due to the driver's negligence in failing to apply the handbrake properly.
Local Residents Provide Immediate Assistance
Immediately following the accident, local people present at the spot helped extract passengers from the bus and promptly informed emergency services. Some of the passengers received first aid at a nearby government hospital before being discharged or transferred for further care.
Fourth Bus Accident in Himachal Pradesh This Month
This incident marks the fourth bus accident to occur in Himachal Pradesh during the current month, raising serious concerns about road safety in the state.
Recent Bus Accidents in the State
- On January 9, fourteen people lost their lives when a private bus plunged into a gorge near Haripurdhar in Sirmaur district.
- On January 12, an elderly woman was killed and four others injured when a private bus rolled approximately 100 metres down a hill in the Karsog area of Mandi district.
- On January 17, a Himachal Roadways Transport Corporation (HRTC) bus overturned and rolled about 20 feet down a road, resulting in injuries to seven passengers.
Eyewitnesses in several of these accidents reported similar circumstances, with drivers and conductors stepping out of stationary buses while keeping engines running and without properly engaging handbrakes.
The recurring nature of these incidents highlights the urgent need for enhanced safety protocols and stricter enforcement of driving regulations to prevent such accidents in the future.
