Grim Start to 2026: Accidents, Deaths and Close Calls Mark Himachal Roads

Munish Sood, Mandi

The New Year has begun on a troubling note in Himachal Pradesh, with a series of road accidents, fatal crashes and near-miss incidents reported across the state over the past month. Winter conditions, combined with challenging terrain and deteriorating road infrastructure, have turned several key routes into high-risk zones, raising serious concerns over road safety.

Tourist Bus Narrowly Escapes Tragedy in Kullu

The most recent close call was reported from Kullu district, where a private bus carrying tourists narrowly avoided plunging into a deep gorge on the Bhuntar–Manikaran road near Channi Khod. The bus reportedly went out of control on a steep, slippery stretch and moved dangerously close to the road’s edge before coming to a halt.

A fast-flowing river below amplified the danger, and panic gripped passengers as the vehicle tilted towards the gorge. Fortunately, no injuries were reported, though the incident left those on board deeply shaken and highlighted the fragility of safety on winter mountain roads.

Five Injured in Bilaspur Bus Accident

Late last night, a private bus slipped off the road in the Namhol area of Bilaspur district, falling nearly 10 feet down a slope and injuring five people, including the driver and conductor. Rescue teams rushed the injured to a nearby hospital, where their condition is stated to be stable.

Preliminary assessments suggest the vehicle lost control on a narrow stretch, possibly due to frost and reduced tyre grip.

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Fatal Bus Crash Claims 14 Lives in Sirmaur

Earlier this month, a private bus plunged into a deep gorge in Sirmaur district, killing 14 passengers and injuring several others. The crash, which occurred on a winding hill road, stands out as one of the deadliest road accidents reported in the state this winter and triggered widespread concern over public transport safety in mountainous regions.

Multiple Injured in Chamba Bus Mishap

In Chamba district, a private bus rolled down a steep roadside slope after losing balance, leaving several passengers injured. While most sustained minor injuries, at least one person was critically hurt and referred to a higher medical facility. Mechanical failure combined with difficult road conditions is being examined as a possible cause.

School Bus Overturns in Kangra

Another alarming incident occurred in Kangra district, where a school bus overturned, injuring six children and a teacher, along with the driver and conductor. All the injured were hospitalised and later reported to be out of danger. Investigators suspect brake failure on a sloping road.

Car Plunges into Gorge, Four Killed

In a separate tragedy, a car carrying a group of young men fell into a deep gorge, killing four occupants and leaving one critically injured. The vehicle reportedly lost control on a sharp bend, once again underscoring the dangers of speeding and night travel on hill roads.

Winter Conditions Worsen Road Risks

Officials attribute the spike in accidents to frost formation, icy road surfaces, dense fog and poor visibility, particularly during early morning and late evening hours. Frost turns roads slick, reducing tyre traction, while narrow carriageways and damaged stretches further increase the likelihood of skidding.

Authorities Urge Vigilance

The state administration has urged drivers, transport operators and tourists to exercise extreme caution while travelling through hill districts. Advisories emphasise reduced speed, proper vehicle maintenance and avoiding unnecessary travel during adverse weather. Traffic enforcement has been intensified on accident-prone stretches, and emergency response systems are being strengthened.

Safety Concerns Grow in Early 2026

With accidents being reported almost daily, the opening weeks of 2026 have raised urgent questions about road safety preparedness in Himachal Pradesh. As winter conditions persist in higher reaches, authorities warn that strict adherence to safety norms and responsible driving remain critical to preventing further loss of life on the state’s treacherous mountain roads.