The North News
Shimla, January 10
Fourteen persons were dead in a bus accident in Himachal Pradesh’s Sirmaur district, with several passengers in critical condition, said the state Revenue and Horticulture Minister Jagat Singh Negi on Saturday. Speaking about the incident, Negi said rescue operations were launched immediately after the government received information about the accident. “The district administration, police and local residents carried out rescue work on a large scale,” he said, adding that the state government was providing all possible assistance to the injured and to the families of those who lost their lives.
The accident occurred in the Haripurdhar area, where a private bus plunged into a deep gorge. Officials said the vehicle, bearing registration number HP-64-6667, was travelling on a hilly stretch when it met with the accident. Deputy Chief Minister Mukesh Agnihotri expressed deep sorrow over the incident, describing it as “extremely painful and heartbreaking”. In a statement, he conveyed condolences to the bereaved families and prayed for the peace of the deceased, while wishing a speedy recovery to the injured.
Agnihotri also ordered an inquiry to ascertain the cause of the accident and directed officials to ensure that there was no lapse in rescue and relief operations. The injured have been admitted to Dr Yashwant Singh Parmar Government Medical College and Civil Hospital Solan, where doctors said necessary medical treatment was being provided.
The officials said relief and assistance measures were continuing, and further action would be taken based on the findings of the inquiry.
