MANDI, July 24 — Four people were killed and several others injured after an HRTC bus veered off the road and plunged around 25 metres into a gorge near Tarangla, close to Maseran in the Sarkaghat subdivision of Mandi district on Wednesday.
The bus, which was travelling from Sarkaghat to Durgapur, met with the accident within the jurisdiction of the Sarkaghat Police Station. “Preliminary reports confirm that four persons — two males and two females — died on the spot,” said Mandi Superintendent of Police Sakshi Verma.
Rescue teams, including local police and personnel from the 108 ambulance service, reached the scene swiftly and began evacuation efforts despite challenging terrain. A total of approximately 31 people were believed to be on board at the time of the crash, though the exact figure is still being verified.
The injured were rushed to the Civil Hospital in Sarkaghat for immediate treatment. Among them, three passengers in critical condition were referred to AIIMS-Bilaspur for specialised care.
“The cause of the accident is yet to be determined. Necessary legal action is being taken, and figures are being confirmed,” SP Verma added.
Authorities have launched an investigation to establish the circumstances that led to the tragic mishap. More details are expected as the probe continues.
