Taxi Driver Injured in Heavy Collision Between Private Bus and Taxi on Chandigarh-Manali NH

Mandi, March 03: A private bus and a taxi collided on the Chandigarh-Manali National Highway near Banala in Aut on Monday afternoon, leading to a serious road accident. The taxi driver, who went by the name Bhoop Singh alias Bobby, suffered serious injury as a result of the crash and was immediately taken for medical help.

The incident occurred around 2 pm today, close to the Banala Shani temple, in the limits of the Aut police station. Reports said the private bus was on its way to Mandi from the Kullu side while the taxi was going from Aut to Kullu.

The crash was said to have caused significant structural damage to both vehicles. The front of the taxi was obliterated, and the bus had extensive damage on the driver’s side. Those on a private bus travelling had been shaken by the crash and screamed in terror as the machines slammed into one another.

After the accident, the taxi driver, Bhoop Singh, was given first aid at Nangwai Hospital. However, because of the seriousness of his injuries he subsequently was referred to the Regional Hospital in Kullu for treatment. The 43-year-old Bhoop Singh is medicalised and his condition is critical.

Traffic on the busy highway was badly affected, and a very long traffic jam remained there for many hours. The Aut police station received the news and acted swiftly to begin the investigation regarding the collision.

The police team is working to collect all necessary details related to the accident, according to ASP Mandi, Sagar Chandra. “Our investigation has commenced, and we will know the precise cause of the crash after considering all facts,” he confirmed.

The Chandigarh-Manali National Highway is known to be busy with local and tourist traffic and this incident is a grim reminder of the risks. The highway — a key route for passengers and vehicles traveling between Kullu, Mandi, and Manali — has seen a lot of accidents over the years given its winding topography and high vehicular volume.

Local officials have asked drivers to be extra careful, especially in places with heavy traffic or sharp curves. They have also underlined the significance of routine maintenance of vehicles so as to prevent mechanical failures that can be a contributor to accidents.

This accident has also raised questions on the safety of the passengers who travel in public transport, with many commenting how there is a need for better safety measures in place on a bus. Although the private bus was transporting passengers at the time of the accident, thankfully none have been reported as seriously injured.

While authorities continue their investigation, no blame has been allocated yet, as officers are still working to see if either vehicle’s driver contributed, or if other elements threw the accident into place, such as debris, road conditions or mechanical failure. As this report comes to light, the public remains resolute in their demand for tougher measures against traffic violations to safeguard all who use this vital thoroughfare.