Mandi, Himachal Pradesh (National Times): A devastating road accident in the Tarangala region of Sarkaghat subdivision, Mandi district, has claimed the lives of five people, including three women and two men, after an HRTC (Himachal Road Transport Corporation) bus veered off the road and plunged into nearby fields near Maseran village.
The bus, carrying approximately 20 to 25 passengers, was reportedly navigating a sharp turn when it lost control and fell into a gorge. The exact cause of the accident is still under investigation, but early reports suggest that poor road conditions or mechanical failure may have contributed to the mishap.
As soon as the news broke, teams from the Sarkaghat Police Station and the office of DSP Sanjeev Gautam rushed to the scene. Locals also joined the rescue operations, helping pull victims from the wreckage. Five people died on the spot, while over 20 others sustained injuries, some of them serious.
Emergency services transported the injured to Sarkaghat Civil Hospital for immediate treatment. Authorities are working to identify the deceased and contact their families. The police have launched an official investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash.
DSP Sanjeev Gautam confirmed the casualties and praised the swift response of both residents and the administration. “We are doing everything possible to assist the victims and their families. The matter is under investigation,” he said.
This tragic incident has once again raised concerns over the safety of public transport on Himachal’s hilly roads, where steep inclines, blind curves, and aging infrastructure make every journey potentially dangerous. Calls for stricter road safety enforcement and better driver training are growing louder.
The Himachal Pradesh government is expected to review the route conditions and conduct a safety audit in the wake of this accident.
