Bus Carrying Pilgrims Overturns in Una District, Conductor Dies
A tragic accident occurred late on Tuesday night when a bus transporting pilgrims overturned in the Una district of Himachal Pradesh. The incident resulted in the death of the bus conductor and left eight other individuals injured, according to local authorities.
Details of the Accident
The bus was en route from Khalwara village in the Phagwara district of Punjab to the revered Baba Balak Nath shrine. It overturned on a road in the Harihar area, which falls under the Bangana subdivision of Una district. The vehicle was reportedly carrying approximately 60 passengers at the time of the mishap.
Una Superintendent of Police Sachin Hiremath provided initial details, stating that the deceased conductor could not be immediately identified. The conductor was not known to the passengers, adding a layer of complexity to the identification process. Meanwhile, the driver of the bus has also remained unidentified and is currently absconding, fleeing the scene after the accident.
Eyewitness Accounts and Injuries
Passenger Budh Raj, who filed a complaint with the police, reported that the bus was being driven at a high speed. He described how the vehicle hit a hillside before overturning, leading to the chaos and injuries. Among the injured, a passenger named Manga suffered multiple leg injuries and was referred to the Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGI) in Chandigarh for advanced treatment.
The other injured passengers were taken to local hospitals in Thanakalan, Bangana, and Una. They received first-aid and were subsequently discharged after medical evaluation. The swift response from emergency services helped mitigate further complications, although the incident has raised concerns about road safety in the region.
Ongoing Investigation and Community Impact
Authorities are actively investigating the cause of the accident, with a focus on the driver's actions and the condition of the road. The absconding driver is a key figure in the probe, as police work to ascertain his identity and hold him accountable for the incident. This accident underscores the risks associated with pilgrim travel, especially on hilly terrains, and highlights the need for stricter enforcement of speed limits and vehicle safety standards.
The local community and pilgrims have expressed shock and grief over the tragedy, calling for improved safety measures to prevent such occurrences in the future. As the investigation continues, officials are urging drivers to exercise caution, particularly when transporting large groups on challenging routes.
