CHAMBA: At least seven passengers were killed and 11 others injured on Saturday when a private bus overturned and fell onto a lower stretch of road in the Chamba district of Himachal Pradesh, police said.
Accident on narrow mountain stretch
Police said the mishap occurred at about 7:15 am near Chalunj Mor on the Bairagarh‑Tissa road, when the bus travelling from Bairagarh towards Chamba reportedly skidded off the road while negotiating a bend at the Patwar Circle and overturned before plunging down to the road below.
The injured were taken to the nearest health facilities for treatment, the police added. The condition of some of the injured was said to be serious, and they were being stabilised for further care.
Location and route details
The Bairagarh‑Tissa road runs through the remote Churah valley and is known for narrow, winding stretches with steep drop‑offs. It serves as a key link toward higher reaches including the route to Sach Pass, and remains a vital corridor for local residents and travellers.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Time of accident | About 7:15 am (Saturday) |
| Location | Near Chalunj Mor, Bairagarh‑Tissa road, Chamba district |
| Casualties | 7 dead, 11 injured |
| Bus operator | Reportedly owned by Sharma Travels (Jagran report) |
Response and investigation
Local police reached the site and coordinated rescue efforts with first responders to retrieve the victims and clear the wreckage. An inquiry has been launched to determine the causes of the accident, officials said. The probe will examine road and weather conditions, vehicle condition, speed and any lapses by driver or operator.
- Police cited the vehicle skidding off while negotiating a turn as the immediate cause.
- A Jagran report identified the private bus as being owned by Sharma Travels.
- Medical teams were mobilised to treat the injured at nearby hospitals; several were reportedly in critical condition.
Infrastructure and safety context
The accident comes days after heavy rains in Chamba triggered flash floods and landslides that damaged houses and vehicles, highlighting the vulnerability of mountain roads during the monsoon. Road safety and infrastructure have been recurrent concerns in the district because of narrow carriageways and steep gradients.
Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu said the state government has prioritised road connectivity in Chamba and has allocated substantial resources for construction and expansion projects in the district.
“The government has spent around ₹591 crore on road construction and expansion projects in the district,” Sukhu said while addressing the closing cultural event of the International Minjar Fair in Chamba, according to a report.
Officials said strengthening road networks, widening narrow stretches and improving protective barriers are among measures under way, but the terrain and monsoon-related risks pose ongoing challenges for safe travel.
What authorities have said
According to police officials quoted by the Press Trust of India, the vehicle overturned after skidding off the road. Investigators are expected to assess the driver’s conduct, vehicle maintenance records and whether slope stability or drainage failures contributed to the incident.
Local administration and police appealed to commuters to exercise caution on mountain stretches, particularly during the monsoon season, and to avoid overloading and ensure vehicle fitness before travel.
Further details on the identities of the victims and the exact medical status of the injured were awaited from authorities at the time of reporting.
This developing story may have additional updates as rescue teams, police investigators and district authorities continue their work at the site and hospitals.
