18 killed as bus falls into gorge near Shimla

At least nine persons died on the spot, while others succumbed to injuries at the IGMC hospital here. The accident took place around 9 am.

The bus (HP 63 0196) was on its way to Shimla from Piplidhar near Dhami and most passengers were office-goers.

Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh, along with his wife Pratibha Singh, a Lok Sabha member, visited the IGMC hospital, and announced the probe. Additional District Magistrate (Law and Order) Ajay Sharma, who was the first to reach the spot, has been appointed the inquiry officer.

Though some relatives of the deceased pointed out negligence on the part of the driver, the possibility of a technical fault cannot be ruled out.

Deputy Commissioner Tarun Kapoor said the government has sanctioned Rs 50,000 as ex-gratia for dependents who lost head of the families and Rs 25,000 for others. The injured will also be provided free medical care at the hospital.

Hundreds of villagers from Dhami and adjoining villages reached the hospital on hearing about the accident. Several NGOs and voluntary donors also pitched in to offer blood for the seriously injured. Senior Medical Superintendent Dr Hardyal Chauhan said all patients were provided free facilities and a team of over 50 doctors and nursing staff was deployed to attend to the victims.