Bus fell down into gorge killing 26 in Shimla

Shimla: As many as 26 people were killed and eight others injured after a Kinnaur Federation public service bus, on its way to Solan from Recong Peo, fell down into 250 meter deep gorge near Khanari of Rampur subdivision of the district about 235 km from here early this morning Police confirmed that 26 people were killed and eight others were hospitalised as the impact of mishap caused a number of fatality in the accident. DSP Rampur Dev Kumar Negi who was looking after the rescue work on the spot soon said the bodies are being evacuated and recovered on the spot. He said eight injured were rushed to Khanari Zonal Hospital.

Some of the critically injured died on the way and in the hospital. At least 35 passengers were boarding the bus coming to Rampur from Recong-Peo when the driver lost control over the vehicle and bus fell down the hill near Satluj bank. The spot is hardly five kilometre away from Rampur town. Rescue teams were evacuating the bodies. A police officer said the bus is normally occupied by 35 to 40 passengers daily , most of the people being from Kinnaur, employees and students. Wreckage of the bus could be seen near the bank of Satluj river.

Three critically injured were referred to IGMC Shimla. An ill-fated service 'Kanfed' run between Redcongpeo district headquarters of tribal Kinnaur district and Dr Y S Parmar Horticulture and Forestry University Naun of Solan district. Himachal Pradesh Governor Acharya Dev Vrat and Chief Minister Virbhadra Singth condoled the demise of bus passengers, directing the administration to provide necessary relief to the kin of deceased and to injured. (UNI)