Private Bus Falls into Deep Gorge in Kullu, One Dead and Several Injured

Kullu, 09 December: A tragic road accident occurred in the Kullu district of Himachal Pradesh on Tuesday morning when a private bus carrying over two dozen passengers plunged into a deep gorge along the Ani-Shwad road. The accident, which took place near Shakeld, has left one person confirmed dead, while many others have sustained serious injuries.

Quick Response from Locals and Authorities

The disaster unfolded around 11:30 AM when the bus, traveling from Karsog to Ani and heading toward Chhatri, lost control and fell into the gorge. The sound of the crash was heard by local residents, who immediately alerted authorities. Police, rescue teams, and the local administration quickly mobilized to the site, joined by villagers who assisted in the relief efforts and in transporting the injured to nearby medical facilities.

Severe Damage to the Bus

Eyewitnesses described the bus as being severely damaged, complicating rescue operations. DSP Aani Chandrashekhar, who is heading the relief efforts, confirmed the extent of the damage and stated that the ongoing operations to extricate victims were challenging due to the bus’s position in the gorge.

Passenger Count and Investigation

While the exact number of passengers onboard is still being verified, initial reports suggest that there were more than 25 people in the bus. The authorities have begun a formal investigation to determine the cause of the accident, with early indications pointing to a possible loss of control by the driver.

The tragic incident has once again highlighted the dangers of hilly terrain roads in Himachal Pradesh, particularly during adverse weather conditions. Efforts are underway to ensure the victims receive timely medical attention, and the investigation is being closely monitored.