Tragic Bus-Car Collision Claims Two Lives in Mandi, Leaves Two Critically Injured
A devastating head-on collision between a private bus and a car on the Kiratpur-Manali National Highway in Mandi district early this morning has resulted in the tragic deaths of two young individuals and left two others critically injured. The accident occurred near the Pandoh Dam, a stretch notorious for its sharp curves and heavy traffic, highlighting ongoing road safety issues in the mountainous region of Himachal Pradesh.
Details of the Fatal Accident
The private bus was traveling from Mandi to Kullu when it collided with a car coming from the opposite direction. The impact of the crash was so severe that two occupants of the car died instantly at the scene. Authorities have identified the deceased as Shashank Sharma, aged 23, from Majwan village, and Gayatri Devi, aged 22, from Rehali Tanda village in Mandi.
Injured Victims and Emergency Response
The two injured persons have been identified as Kashmir Singh, aged 21, from Gaddals Randhara village in Mandi, and Diksha Chauhan, aged 21, from Hatli village in Una district. Both were rushed to a nearby hospital, where they are currently undergoing treatment for critical injuries. Superintendent of Police (SP) Mandi, Vinod Kumar, confirmed that the bodies of the deceased have been sent for post-mortem examination as part of the investigation.
Investigation and Road Safety Concerns
Authorities have registered a case and initiated a detailed investigation to determine the exact cause of the accident. Preliminary assumptions suggest that high speed or loss of control may have contributed to the collision, but officials emphasize that a thorough inquiry is underway to ascertain all factors involved.
This incident has once again raised serious concerns about road safety on the mountainous highways of Himachal Pradesh, particularly in accident-prone zones like the Pandoh Dam stretch. The area is known for its challenging terrain and frequent traffic, prompting calls for enhanced safety measures and driver awareness campaigns to prevent such tragedies in the future.
