At least one person has died and over 18 others were injured, some critically, after a private bus plunged into a deep gorge in the Patrighat-Kalkhar area of Himachal Pradesh’s Mandi district on Tuesday morning. The accident occurred around 9 am as the bus, travelling from Jahu to Mandi, lost control while negotiating a sharp turn amid heavy rainfall.

Rescue operations, hampered by adverse weather, are ongoing, with local residents and authorities working together to free those still trapped. Officials have confirmed the incident and stated that investigations are underway to determine the cause of the crash.

Rescue Efforts Amid Heavy Rain

The bus, reportedly carrying around 35 passengers, rolled down a 150-200 foot slope after the driver failed to negotiate a sharp turn on a rain-slick road. Eyewitnesses described a chaotic scene as villagers and emergency teams rushed to the site.

Injured were taken to Nerchowk Medical College other nearby hospitals using ambulances and private vehicles. Additional Deputy Commissioner Madan Kumar confirmed that rescue operations are ongoing, and some people remain trapped under the bus1.

Ongoing Road Safety Challenges

This incident follows another fatal accident in Himachal Pradesh just a day earlier, where two tourists died and over a dozen were injured in Lahaul and Spiti district. The Mandi accident has reignited concerns about road safety on hilly routes, especially during the monsoon season.

Authorities have ordered a thorough inquiry, examining factors such as mechanical failure, road conditions, and possible driver negligence. The bus was reportedly not overloaded, and officials praised the swift response of both emergency services and local residents in minimizing casualties.

The Logical Indian’s Perspective

Each life lost or endangered in such tragedies is a stark reminder of the urgent need for improved road safety, infrastructure, and driver training, particularly in vulnerable hill regions like Himachal Pradesh. The community’s rapid response highlights the strength of solidarity and compassion during crises. 

As we extend our empathy to the injured and their families, let us reflect on how we can collectively advocate for safer roads and better emergency preparedness.