Himachal Bus Accident: 7 Killed, 11 Injured After Bus Skids Off Road in Chamba

Seven people lost their lives and 11 others were injured after a private bus skidded off the road and plunged onto a lower stretch in Himachal Pradesh's Chamba district on Saturday morning. The accident occurred on the Bairagarh–Tissa route in the remote Churah Valley, prompting a large-scale rescue operation involving multiple agencies.

Authorities fear the death toll could rise as rescue teams continue to search the damaged vehicle for any trapped passengers.

Driver Reportedly Lost Control on Mountain Stretch

According to officials, the accident took place around 7:15 am when the bus was travelling from Bairagarh to Chamba carrying 22 passengers.

Preliminary information suggests the driver lost control while negotiating the narrow and steep Bairagarh–Tissa road, causing the vehicle to skid off the road before falling onto a lower level near Chalunj Mor.

The route is considered one of the most challenging mountain roads in the region and serves as an important approach to the high-altitude Sach Pass.

Rescue Teams Rush to Spot

Soon after the accident, personnel from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), police, home guards, fire services and the revenue department reached the site.

Local residents, who reportedly heard passengers crying for help, alerted authorities and joined rescue efforts before emergency teams arrived.

Eleven injured passengers were rescued and shifted to nearby hospitals. Among them, six critically injured victims have been referred to Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru Government Medical College and Hospital, Chamba, for advanced treatment.

Search operations remain underway as officials continue to clear the wreckage.

Police Begin Investigation

Police have launched an investigation to determine the exact cause of the accident. While initial findings indicate driver error, authorities are also examining whether road conditions or other factors contributed to the crash.

The incident comes during the ongoing monsoon season, when frequent rainfall has increased the risk of landslides, slippery roads and road accidents across Himachal Pradesh.

According to official data, 78 people have died in road accidents across the state between June 30 and August 7 during this year's monsoon.

PM Modi, CM Sukhu Express Grief

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed condolences to the families of the victims and wished a speedy recovery to those injured.

Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu described the accident as heartbreaking and directed district authorities to ensure the injured receive the best possible medical treatment. He also conveyed his condolences to the bereaved families.

Monsoon Raises Road Safety Concerns

The latest tragedy has once again highlighted the dangers of travelling on mountainous roads during the monsoon. Heavy rainfall, poor visibility and unstable terrain continue to pose serious risks across several districts of Himachal Pradesh, prompting authorities to urge commuters to exercise caution.