Deputy CM Orders Magistrate Inquiry into Sarkaghat Bus Accident, Visits Injured

Mandi, July 24:
Deputy Chief Minister Mukesh Agnihotri has ordered a magisterial inquiry into the tragic HRTC bus accident that took place in Tarangla, Sarkaghat. He issued these instructions upon reaching Sarkaghat, where he met officials and assessed the situation. The Deputy CM visited Sarkaghat Hospital to check on the condition of the injured and review the medical facilities being provided. Prior to this, he had also met victims admitted to AIIMS Bilaspur.

The accident has claimed eight lives, while 22 others were injured. Speaking to the media in Sarkaghat, Agnihotri said some of the injured passengers informed him that the accident occurred when the bus driver swerved slightly off the road to avoid an oncoming motorcycle, leading to the crash. However, he clarified that while this was an account shared by passengers, the exact cause would only be determined through a proper inquiry — for which a magistrate-level investigation has already been ordered.

Responding to media questions about the condition of buses in the HRTC fleet, the Deputy CM stated that the average life of a bus is around 15 years, and all buses undergo regular technical inspections. He also noted that the government is actively modernizing the fleet — with 250 new buses recently added and 300 electric buses to be inducted soon. However, he emphasized that in the event of an accident, the immediate focus must be on identifying the actual cause, whether it’s technical failure or human error.

“If the preliminary findings suggest the driver was trying to save someone, then it wouldn’t be appropriate to blame mechanical issues. Still, all these factors will be examined thoroughly during the investigation,” he added.

Later, Agnihotri also visited the accident site, accompanied by local officials, to personally review the situation. He then went to Nerchowk Medical College to inquire about the condition of the other injured passengers receiving treatment there.