44 Killed, 35 Injured After Bus Falls in Deep Gorge in Himachal

35 people were injured and rescue operations underway.

The bus fell into a gorge in Himachal Pradesh’s Kullu district.

(Photo: ANI)

At least 44 were killed after a private bus fell into a deep gorge on Thursday, 20 June, near Banjar area of Himachal Pradesh’s Kullu district, reported ANI.

The bus was on its way from Banjar to Gada Gushaini area.

(Photo: ANI)

(Photo: ANI)

35 people are reported to be injured as the rescue operations are underway.

“It seems that the bus was overloaded, rescue operations will continue tomorrow as well. Chief Minister will be visiting tomorrow. Magisterial investigation into the incident has been ordered.”

Govind Singh Thakur, Himachal Pradesh Transport Minister

The private bus (bearing registration number HP 66-7065) fell into the over 300-metre-deep gorge near the Dhoth Morh in Banjar tehsil of the district, news agency PTI quoted Kullu Superintendent of Police Shalini Agnihotri, as saying.

Prima facie, it seems that overloading and negligent driving may have caused the accident, a government official said.

Banjar Sub Divisional Magistrate MR Bhardwaj said rescue teams and ambulances were rushed to the spot and the victims were admitted in Banjar hospital.

The district administration announced an immediate relief of Rs 50,000 each to the families of those killed and the injured, reported PTI.

Most of the victims were residents of various areas in Kullu district.

‘Govt Providing All Possible Assistance’: PM Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his condolences to the families of the deceased and said the Himachal Pradesh government is providing all possible assistance required.

Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh also expressed his condolences and said, “My thoughts are with everyone who has lost their loved ones. Praying for the speedy recovery of those injured.”

(This is a developing story. With inputs from PTI and ANI)