Sudhanshu Sharma
Nurpur
At least 15 passengers were injured, several of them critically, after a private bus overturned near Niyazpur in the Nurpur subdivision of Himachal Pradesh on Sunday morning. The bus, which was reportedly carrying more than 40 passengers, was on its way from Chamba to Una when the accident occurred around 11 am.
According to preliminary information, the vehicle—operating as a “Devi Darshan” service—had departed from Chamba at approximately 6:30 am. The mishap took place near a Shani Dev temple at Niyazpur, where the bus lost control and overturned on the road , triggering panic among passengers.
Local residents were the first to reach the spot and began rescue operations, pulling out injured passengers from the overturned vehicle. Police and administrative officials soon joined the efforts, and the injured were shifted to Civil Hospital, Nurpur for treatment.
Initial reports indicate that the driver may have suffered a cardiac episode, leading to the loss of control. However, statements from some injured passengers suggest that the bus was being driven at a high speed, and a loud sound—suspected to be a tyre burst—was heard moments before the accident. Authorities have not yet confirmed the exact cause and have initiated an investigation into the incident.
Hospital sources confirmed that over 15 passengers are currently undergoing treatment, with at least five reported to be in serious condition. Most of the passengers are believed to be residents of Chamba district.
Second Major Incident in Two Days
The accident follows closely on the heels of another tragic incident in Himachal Pradesh. On Saturday, four women teachers lost their lives in the Ani subdivision of Kullu district after a tree fell on their vehicle during a storm. Two other teachers and the driver sustained injuries in that incident, which occurred while they were returning home after school.
The back-to-back incidents have once again highlighted concerns regarding road safety and vulnerability to natural and unforeseen hazards in the state’s hilly terrain. Authorities are expected to review safety measures as investigations into both incidents continue.
