Mandi: A crowded bus, traveling along a winding mountain route, veered off the road and plunged into a deep ditch, leaving 20 passengers injured. The early morning mishap turned a routine journey into a scene of chaos, with cries for help echoing through the misty hills as dawn broke over the region.
The Incident Unfolds
The bus, carrying local workers and students, reportedly lost control on a sharp bend due to slippery conditions caused by overnight rain. Eyewitnesses described the vehicle skidding before tumbling 15 feet into the ditch, its roof caving under the impact. Initial reports indicate the driver may have struggled with the wet terrain, though the exact cause remains under investigation. Rescue teams, including police and local volunteers, arrived within 30 minutes, battling the rugged landscape to reach the injured.
Rescue and Medical Response
Emergency services had extracted 18 passengers, with two still trapped under debris. The injured, ranging from minor bruises to severe fractures, were rushed to Mandi’s Civil Hospital. . Doctors report stable conditions for most, though the full extent of injuries is being assessed. The community has rallied, providing blankets and hot tea to survivors amid the chilly morning air.
Investigation and Safety Concerns
Authorities suspect poor road maintenance or driver error as possible factors, with forensic teams analyzing the site. The narrow Patdighat route, prone to landslides, has long raised safety concerns among locals. Transport officials have promised a thorough probe, while residents demand better signage and guardrails to prevent future accidents.
A Call for Vigilance
Rescue efforts continue, with the focus on supporting the victims and their families. This accident underscores the urgent need for improved infrastructure and driver training in Himachal’s hilly terrains, urging a collective push for safer travel.
