7 killed, several injured as HRTC bus falls into gorge in Himachal’s Mandi

Seven people were killed and over two dozen were injured when a Himachal Road Transport Corporation (HRTC) bus plunged approximately 150 meters into a deep gorge in Mandi district on Thursday morning.

According to the police, the deceased include four women, and the condition of at least two of the injured passengers is reported to be critical.

The accident occurred around 11 am near the Maseran area when the HRTC bus was ferrying passengers from Mandi to Sarkaghat. The injured were initially rushed to the Civil Hospital in Sarkaghat for treatment.

“Five passengers died on the spot, while two others succumbed to their injuries during treatment at the nearby Balh Civil Hospital. The cause of the accident is still under investigation. So far, we have not found any indication of another vehicle being involved. Most of the injured are yet to record their statements,” a police official said.

Himachal Pradesh Deputy CM Mukesh Agnihotri visited injured at Sarkaghat. (Express Photo)

A case has been registered at the Sarkaghat police station.

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Himachal Pradesh, with its rugged terrain and narrow winding roads, has witnessed several fatal road accidents in recent years, especially involving public transport in hilly districts like Mandi, Kullu, and Chamba.