A devastating bus mishap in Sirmaur, Himachal Pradesh, resulted in 14 fatalities and 35 injuries after the transport veered into a treacherous gorge. This gruesome event on a busy district route exposes longstanding safety lapses in the state’s transportation network.
Carrying devotees and locals, the bus hit a guardrail before flipping over the edge near Darwa village. Speeding and substandard road conditions are suspected culprits, as per initial police reports. Overcast skies and drizzle hampered visibility, turning rescue into a grueling ordeal.
Ambulances ferried the wounded to trauma units, where doctors battled to save lives amid resource strains. Identification of all victims is complete, with post-mortems revealing massive trauma from the impact. Families gather at hospitals, grappling with profound sorrow.
State administration responded swiftly with relief measures: financial aid, counseling services, and rebuilding assistance for the bereaved. High-level meetings discuss mandatory black box installations in public vehicles and radar-based speed monitoring.
Annual recurrence of such accidents prompts calls for policy overhaul. Advocacy groups demand accountability from operators flouting norms. In the shadow of the Himalayas, this tragedy amplifies voices for safer journeys, blending grief with resolve for change.