In a devastating road accident on Thursday morning, a state run HRTC bus skidded off a narrow mountain road and plunged into a deep gorge near Maseran village in the Sarkaghat subdivision of Mandi district, leaving five passengers dead and several others injured.
According to preliminary reports, the bus was en route from Sarkaghat to Durgapur when the driver lost control on a slippery bend, possibly due to the ongoing monsoon rains. The vehicle tumbled nearly 100 feet down, prompting an immediate rescue operation involving local police, emergency responders, and villagers who rushed to help.
Authorities confirmed that four people died on the spot, while another succumbed to injuries during treatment at Civil Hospital Sarkaghat. Around 20&ndash;25 passengers sustained injuries, with some in critical condition now being treated at AIIMS Bilaspur.
Local law enforcement led by SP Sakshi Verma oversaw the rescue effort. Officials stated that the wet and treacherous road likely played a role in the accident, though mechanical failure has not been ruled out.
Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu expressed deep sorrow over the loss of lives and announced financial compensation for the families of the deceased and free treatment for the injured.
The accident has reignited concerns over road safety in hilly terrains during the monsoon season. Residents have also demanded better guardrails and timely road repairs on rural routes prone to landslides and skidding.
A formal inquiry has been launched, and HRTC authorities have been asked to inspect all buses operating on high-risk routes.

HRTC Bus Falls Into Gorge in Mandi, 5 Dead

Tragic road mishap in Sarkaghat as HRTC bus plunges into gorge, killing 7, injuring many

HRTC Bus Falls Into Gorge in Mandi, 7 Dead

Tragic road mishap in Sarkaghat as HRTC bus plunges into gorge, killing 7, injuring many

July 24, 2025 | 18:42 IST