Eight killed, 25 injured in Shimla mishap

The mishap occurred near Gajerhi, on the Theog- Hatkoti National Highway when the bus, carrying 33 passengers, was on its way to Tikkar from Shimla

At least eight persons, including two women, were killed and 26 others injured when the Himachal Road Transport Corporation (HRTC) bus rolled off the road near Chhaila village in Shimla district on Friday.

The Himachal Road Transport Corporation bus rolled off the road near Chaila in Shimla district on Friday. (Deepak Sansta /HT)

The mishap occurred near Gajerhi, on the Theog- Hatkoti National Highway when the bus, carrying 33 passengers, was on its way to Tikkar from Shimla, police said.

Eyewitnesses told police that the accident occurred due to a technical snag when the axle of the vehicle broke down as the driver was negotiating a curve.

However, superintendent of police (SP) Omapati Jamwal said, “The exact reason for accidents is not known.” He added that death toll could rise.

The mishap was noticed by a car driver who reported the matter to Theogh police station. Police reached the spot and supervised rescue and retrieval operation.

Injured were rushed to civil hospital, Theogh, while those who sustained serious injuries were brought to Indira Gandhi Medical College, Hospital for further treatment among them condition of two of the injured was stated to be critical.

Former horticulture minister and Theogh legislature Narender Bragta reached the spot and inspected operations.

Shimla deputy commissioner (DC) Amit Kashyap ordered the district administration to disburse relief to the injured and to kin of deceased.

Governor Acharya Devvrat and chief minister Jai Ram Thakur have expressed shock and grief over the incident.