Mandi: A major tragedy was narrowly averted on Wednesday (May 7, 2025) morning when an HRTC bus carrying 25 passengers veered off the road and hung precariously over a gorge along the Pathankot-Mandi National Highway near Urla.
The incident occurred around 6 am while the bus was en route from Baijnath to Shimla. According to initial reports, the rear portion of the bus remained suspended near the road, while the front half dangled dangerously over the edge of the slope.
The bus reportedly came to a halt after hitting a tree, preventing it from plunging into the gorge below, a collision that likely saved the lives of all on board.
Tree saves bus from fatal fall
Eyewitnesses and local authorities confirmed that the bus lost control while navigating a turn and skidded off the highway.
The vehicle collided with a large roadside tree, which stopped its descent into the steep valley. The impact led to moments of panic inside the bus, with passengers screaming in fear as the vehicle teetered on the edge.
“The situation could have been catastrophic,” said an HRTC official in Padhar, who rushed to the scene. “Thanks to the tree, a huge tragedy was averted.”
All passengers safe, no injuries reported
Following the near-accident, the bus driver quickly instructed passengers to evacuate, and with the help of local residents, everyone was brought to safety without injury.
There were no casualties or serious injuries, and all passengers were later transported to their destinations using alternate buses arranged by HRTC.
Emergency response teams arrived at the site shortly after being informed. A crane was deployed to retrieve the bus, which was later moved back to the road for repairs.
Mechanical failure suspected
Preliminary investigations suggest that the accident was caused due to a mechanical failure, likely the snapping of the main leaf spring (pata) of the bus’s suspension system. The HRTC mechanical team began immediate repairs on-site to assess and fix the damage.
The incident drew a large number of onlookers from nearby villages, many of whom helped in the rescue efforts. Authorities have praised the swift response of both locals and transport officials in ensuring a safe evacuation and preventing what could have been a fatal accident.
TNR News Network
