HRTC bus carries deceased passenger overnight for 64 km

In a shocking incident from Sirmaur district, a passenger’s lifeless body was carried overnight in a Himachal Road Transport Corporation (HRTC) bus for over 64 km.

The incident has raised questions about the negligence of the bus staff, particularly the conductor, who was found intoxicated.

According to the police, the deceased, identified as 45-year-old Ramesh Chand, had boarded the Chandigarh-Sangrah-Haripurdhar bus from Dadahu on Tuesday evening. He was travelling to his native village, Dada Khlor, near Sangrah.

Initial investigations suggest that Ramesh succumbed to the cold weather and alcohol consumption during the journey. The bus, scheduled for an overnight halt at Andheri, approximately 5 km from Sangrah, parked for the night without anyone noticing the passenger’s death.

The driver and conductor reportedly went to sleep, leaving Ramesh’s body on the rear seat. Shockingly, even the next morning, no one realised the passenger was deceased as the bus began its return journey to Dadahu.

It was only upon reaching Dadahu that the conductor noticed the lifeless body.

By then, the bus had travelled 64 km. Upon being informed, a police team from Renuka Ji took swift action, detaining the driver and conductor for questioning.

During this time, the conductor was allegedly found intoxicated, and a medical examination was conducted.

Area residents reported that Ramesh, a labourer, was returning home.

Meanwhile, the HRTC authorities dispatched a replacement bus to continue the route. The depot in-charge at Nahan confirmed the incident and assured cooperation with the investigation.

Sangrah Deputy Superintendent of Police Mukesh Dhadwal said the body was handed over to Ramesh Chand’s family after a post-mortem examination. A probe was underway and further details would be revealed following the conductor’s medical report, he added.