Around 50 passengers had a narrow escape when a private bus (HP-49A-7074) veered off the road and landed in a field at Badi Ropa in the Batahar area of Tirthan Valley, Banjar subdivision, today. The bus, which was traveling from Batahar to Banjar, lost control and slid into an adjoining field, finally coming to a halt amid large rocks. The sudden crash caused panic among passengers, but fortunately, no major injuries or fatalities occurred.
Eyewitnesses reported scenes of chaos as passengers tried to comprehend the abrupt fall. Six people, including women and college students, sustained minor injuries and were quickly taken to Banjar Hospital for treatment. Local residents responded swiftly, assisting in the rescue and helping the injured to safety.
One eyewitness remarked, “If the bus had overturned, the consequences could have been disastrous.” While the exact cause is yet to be determined, mechanical failure, over-speeding, and poor road conditions are being considered potential reasons behind the mishap.
The Banjar police and local administrative officials reached the scene soon after the accident. Rescue and relief operations were carried out efficiently. Banjar DSP Sher Singh confirmed that a detailed investigation is underway. Banjar SDM Pankaj Sharma assured that all injured passengers were provided free and immediate medical care.
The incident has left the local community shaken but thankful that no lives were lost. Residents have called on the administration to implement stricter safety measures. Their demands include mandatory technical inspections for private buses and urgent repairs to the region’s deteriorating roads.
Kullu SP Karthikeyan Gokulachandran said 23 persons suffered minor injuries while Chetna (19) of Hirayali village and Chandra Devi (38) of Manani village were referred to Kullu hospital owing to multiple injuries. He added that a case under Sections 281, 125(a) of Bharatiya Nayaya Sanhita has been registered against the driver Nirath Singh of Dandhar village of Banjar.
