Deputy CM Mukesh Agnihotri orders magisterial probe

Deputy Chief Minister Mukesh Agnihotri visited the site of the tragic bus accident that occurred near Tarangla, close to Maseran, in Sarkaghat subdivision of Mandi district in the early hours today. The accident, involving an Himachal Road Transport Corporation (HRTC) bus that fell around 20 metres to 25 metres down the hill, claimed eight lives and left 21 others injured.

Agnihotri expressed condolences to the bereaved families and inquired after the well-being of the injured persons undergoing treatment at various hospitals. He ordered a magisterial inquiry into the incident to determine the cause of the accident and ensure accountability.

Agnihotri rushed to Sarkaghat immediately after receiving the news of the accident. He visited the Civil Hospital at Sarkaghat and directed the Health Department to provide the best possible medical care to the injured passengers under treatment there. He directed the local administration to extend all necessary assistance to the affected families.

Later, Agnihotri inspected the accident site at Tarangla and reviewed the situation. He said that the technical wing of the HRTC was at present investigating the mechanical aspects of the accident. The state government had also formally ordered a magisterial inquiry to ascertain the exact cause of the accident.

Agnihotri said that besides the driver and the conductor, the bus was carrying 27 passengers at the time of the mishap. Eight passengers, including four women, lost their lives. The remaining 21 passengers sustained injuries and several of them were later referred to higher medical institutions.

He said, “Saving the lives of the injured is our topmost priority. Besides the Civil Hospital, Sarkaghat, the seriously injured passengers have been admitted to the medical college at Nerchowk, AIIMS-Bilaspur, and the medical college, Hamirpur."

Agnihotri also visited AIIMS-Bilaspur and the medical college at Nerchowk to meet the inured persons and assess the medical arrangements. He wished the injured a speedy recovery and prayed to the Almighty for strength to the bereaved families and peace to the departed souls.