Eight Killed, 21 Injured in Tragic HRTC Bus Accident Near Tarangla in Mandi District.
Shimla:
In a heart-wrenching tragedy, an HRTC bus travelling from Sarkaghat to Durgapur met with a fatal accident near Tarangla, close to Maseran in the Sarkaghat region of Mandi district, on Thursday morning. The bus veered off the narrow hillside road and plunged approximately 20–25 metres down a slope, resulting in the death of eight passengers and serious injuries to 21 others.
Superintendent of Police, Mandi, Sakshi Verma confirmed that the accident occurred under the jurisdiction of Police Station Sarkaghat. The bus was carrying 29 people, including the driver and conductor, at the time of the accident. Of the eight confirmed fatalities, four were male and four were female. The deceased were identified as:
- Geeta Devi (65), Dolma Devi (70) – both from Rased village
- Barfi Devi (80) – Bhalyana village
- Balvir Singh (60) – Pati village
- Antariksh (17) – Thurad
- Klashi Devi (60) – Tarangla
- Suman (33) and Prakash – both from Maseran under Sarkaghat subdivision
Five victims were declared dead at Civil Hospital Sarkaghat, two died at Government Medical College (GMC) Nerchowk, and one succumbed to injuries at AIIMS Bilaspur.
Eyewitnesses reported that the bus suddenly lost control and skidded off the narrow, hilly road before tumbling down the incline. Rescue operations were launched immediately, with local residents, police personnel, and emergency services working together to rescue trapped passengers from the mangled wreckage.
SP Verma stated that four of the injured passengers were treated at Civil Hospital Sarkaghat, while 17 others with more serious injuries were referred to GMC Nerchowk, AIIMS Bilaspur, and RKGMC Hamirpur for specialized treatment.
An investigation is underway to determine the exact cause of the accident. Preliminary inputs suggest that poor road conditions, potential mechanical failure, or human error could have played a role. The tragedy has reignited concerns over the safety of public transport in Himachal Pradesh’s hilly terrain, where narrow roads and unpredictable weather conditions pose constant threats.
Additional District Magistrate of Mandi, Dr. Madan Kumar, stated that immediate relief of Rs. 25,000 each has been provided to the families of the deceased, and Rs. 5,000 each to the injured.
Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu expressed profound grief over the loss of lives and directed the Mandi district administration to ensure the best possible treatment for the injured. He also extended his condolences to the bereaved families and prayed for peace to the departed souls.
Deputy Chief Minister Mukesh Agnihotri visited the accident site and met the injured victims in different hospitals. He ordered a magisterial inquiry in this accident.
