Mandi, Aug 1 (UNI) A 44-year-old woman died and nine others sustained injuries after a private bus plunged into a deep gorge near Tuna on the Bahu-Chailchowk-Jahl route in Mandi district on Thursday evening.
The accident took place near Kashawari when the Sheetla Bus Service vehicle was returning from Jahl to Chailchowk.
According to eyewitnesses, the bus lost control while negotiating a sharp bend and rolled down the ravine.
Local residents launched a prompt rescue operation and shifted the injured to the Civil Hospital in Gohar.
The deceased was identified as Nirmala (44), wife of Kishori, a resident of Naun village.
The injured include Sapna Devi (Shala village), Buddhi Devi, Bharti, and Meera Devi (Taraur), Aman Thakur (Naled), conductor, Prakash (Segli), son of the driver, Meena Devi, Chandra Devi, and Bhama Devi (Naun).
Sub-Divisional Magistrate Bachitar Singh confirmed the casualty and said the administration coordinated with locals to ensure timely rescue and medical aid.
Additional SP Sagar Chandra said a case of negligent driving has been registered against the bus driver. A detailed probe is ongoing to ascertain the cause of the mishap.
The Bahu-Chailchowk-Jahl route, frequently used by private buses, is known for its narrow and winding roads. Locals have repeatedly raised concerns about poor maintenance and lack of safety measures on the stretch, demanding stricter monitoring of private transport operators.
In the rainy season till July 31, as many as 173 people died in rain-related and road accidents in this monsoon season, including 85 killed in road accidents in the state.
