Chamba Bus Accident: A devastating road accident claimed seven lives, including those of the driver and conductor, after a private bus carrying 15 to 16 passengers veered off the road and fell onto a lower stretch near Devikothi in the Chamba district on Saturday morning.
The incident occurred at around 6:30 AM on the Bairagarh-Chamba route under the Tissa (Churah) subdivision. According to initial reports, the Sharma Travelers bus had barely covered three kilometers after departing from Bairagarh toward Chamba town when the driver lost control of the vehicle at Chaluj Morh, causing it to roll down a steep slope onto the road below.
Hearing the loud crash and cries for help, local villagers rushed to the spot and immediately launched relief and rescue operations. After strenuous effort, they pulled the victims from the damaged wreckage and rushed the injured to Civil Hospital, Tissa, for medical treatment. Seven among the injured are reported to be in critical condition.
Police and administrative teams arrived at the scene shortly after receiving information. Chamba Superintendent of Police (SP) Vijay Kumar Saklani confirmed the incident, stating that rescue and relief teams were dispatched immediately.
Rescue workers are currently attempting to upright the overturned bus, as officials fear more passengers could still be trapped beneath the debris. Police have registered a case and initiated an investigation into the exact cause of the crash, which remains unclear. Officials noted that the death toll could rise further.
Deceased Identified
The victims of the fatal crash have been identified as:
- Jagdev, son of Dharm Singh, resident of Bahla Devikothi
- Hardei, wife of Jagdev, resident of Bahla Devikothi
- Desraj, son of Trilochan, resident of Bahla Devikothi
- Roop Singh (Driver), son of Radha Ram, resident of Chilli Thalli
- Tej Singh (Conductor), son of Pyare Lal, resident of Satyas Tarela
- Nilma, wife of Moti Ram, resident of Chilli Devikothi
- Jagdei, wife of Hari Lal, resident of Bahla Devikothi
