SHIMLA: An initial investigation into the Himachal Road Transport Corporation (HRTC) bus accident at Kothadhar in the Rampur sub-division has revealed that poor road conditions, rather than mechanical failure, led to the crash.
The divisional-level inspection committee of the HRTC found that the outer edge of the road had caved in at the accident site and lacked adequate support. This caused the rear portion of the bus to slip off the road, making the vehicle roll down nearly 150 meters into agricultural land in the valley below.
According to the committee’s findings, the width of the road at the accident site was just 2.63 meters, while the width of the HRTC bus was 2.34 meters, leaving a minimal margin for maneuverability.
The mishap occurred on the evening of July 15 at around 6:30 PM involving an HRTC bus (HP-06-6454) operating on the Rampur-Kholighat via Kothadhar route.
Following the incident, an inspection team led by the Divisional Manager of the Shimla Division examined both the vehicle and the crash site. The inspection confirmed that all major mechanical components-including the front spring leaf, tie-rod end, braking system, and brake pressure pipe-were in proper working condition.
The committee concluded that there was no technical defect in the vehicle that could have triggered the accident, pointing squarely to the structural vulnerability and narrowness of the road.
The death toll from Wednesday’s HRTC bus accident in Shimla’s Rampur subdivision has risen to three, after another person who was critically injured passed away during treatment. The bus conductor and an elderly passenger had died on the spot when the accident occurred. Other injured passengers remain under medical care.
The incident took place around 6:30 PM on Wednesday when an HRTC bus (HP 06A 6454), traveling on the Rampur-Khadahan-Kotadhar-Kholighat route, lost control and plunged into a gorge near Gartola. There were 22 passengers on board at the time.
Conductor Jai Prakash Negi and 72-year-old Daku Ram died at the scene. The victims currently receiving treatment for their injuries are at the Mahatma Gandhi Service Medical Complex in Khaneri, Rampur. Police are currently investigating the cause of the accident.
