Tragedy in the Hills: Mandi Bus Accident Leaves One Dead, Many Injured

A quiet morning in Himachal Pradesh’s Mandi district turned tragic on Tuesday when a private bus carrying around 25 passengers veered off the Patdighat-Kalkhar road and plunged into a deep gorge—nearly 500 feet below. The accident claimed the life of the driver, Rajgir Singh, a resident of Hatwad village, and left at least 20 others injured, some critically.

The bus had barely begun its journey from Patdighat around 7:30 a.m. when the crash occurred, just a kilometer from its starting point. Singh’s identity was confirmed through his driving license found at the scene, marking a heartbreaking end to what should have been a routine drive.

Among the injured, one passenger was reportedly trapped under the wreckage and suffered severe injuries. All victims were initially rushed to Rewalsar Hospital, and later referred to Nerchowk Medical College for specialized care.

Heavy rainfall from the previous night made rescue efforts extremely challenging. Yet, in a heartwarming display of community spirit, local residents braved the weather with umbrellas in hand, rushing to help the injured even before emergency services arrived. Their quick action helped stabilize several victims until ambulances and police took over.

Authorities are investigating the cause of the accident, with early reports pointing to either driver error or poor road conditions. A detailed inquiry is underway.

Balh MLA Indra Singh Gandhi visited the injured at the hospital and instructed medical staff to ensure the best possible treatment. The administration has assured that all necessary support will be provided to the victims and their families.

This incident serves as a sobering reminder of the risks faced on hilly roads, especially during adverse weather. As the community mourns the loss of a life and prays for the recovery of the injured, questions about road safety and infrastructure remain more urgent than ever.