Bilaspur: Two people, including a pilgrim and a pedestrian, lost their lives after a bus carrying devotees from Punjab overturned near Shahtalai in Himachal Pradesh’s Bilaspur district late on Sunday night. Thirteen passengers were injured in the accident, with several sustaining serious injuries.
According to officials, the bus was transporting more than 35 pilgrims back to Amritsar after they had offered prayers at the Baba Balak Nath Temple in Deotsidh. The accident occurred at around 10:30 p.m. when the vehicle reportedly went out of control near Shahtalai and overturned.
During the mishap, the bus also struck a man who was walking along the roadside. He died on the spot, while one of the pilgrims travelling in the bus also succumbed to injuries.
The accident triggered panic among passengers, with cries for help drawing the attention of nearby residents. Local people immediately informed the police and district administration, following which rescue teams rushed to the scene. Police personnel, officials and volunteers worked together to evacuate the injured from the overturned vehicle.
The injured were initially taken to the Primary Health Centre (PHC) in Shahtalai. However, as the health facility was reportedly closed, they were shifted to the Civil Hospital in Barsar for treatment.
Hospital authorities said nine injured passengers are currently undergoing treatment at Barsar Civil Hospital. Of the remaining victims, two critically injured pilgrims have been referred to the Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh, while two others have been shifted to Dr. Radhakrishnan Government Medical College, Hamirpur, for advanced medical care.
Police have registered a case and launched an investigation to ascertain the exact cause of the accident. Officials said the circumstances leading to the bus losing control are being examined, and mechanical failure, road conditions and driver-related factors are among the aspects under scrutiny.
The district administration confirmed that the rescue operation has been completed and that all injured passengers are receiving the necessary medical assistance. Authorities are also coordinating with the families of the victims and those injured in the accident.
The tragic incident has once again highlighted the importance of road safety on hilly routes, where sharp bends, steep gradients and night-time driving can significantly increase the risk of accidents.
