18 killed as bus falls into gorge at Nathpa in HP

Tribune News Service

Shimla, September 1 

Eighteen persons were killed and 15 others injured today  when a bus fell into a gorge near Nathpa on the Hindustan-Tibet national highway, 185 km from here.

Fifteen persons died on the spot while three others succumbed to their injuries on their way to hospital. The condition of four of the injured was stated to be critical. The private bus (HP62 2051) was on its way to Rampur from Rekong Peo when the tragedy struck. The deceased included two policemen, Vikrant of 4th IRD battalion and Rakesh, posted in Kinnaur. Since most of those travelling in the bus were locals, a large number of people rushed to the spot. 

After hurtling into the gorge, the bus stopped on the bank of the Sutlej, a few metres from the river even as some of the injured jumped out of the bus. The bus broke into pieces and rescuers struggled to extricate the bodies trapped inside. The cause of the accident could not be ascertained but witnesses said it took place as the driver tried to overtake another bus. 

Kinnaur Deputy Commissioner Naresh Kumar Lath said help was being sought from the Army and the disaster management cell. Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh has ordered a magisterial inquiry.   Vidhan Sabha Deputy Speaker Jagat Singh Negi also reached the spot.