A private bus with over 42 passengers on board fell into a gorge in Himachal Pradesh's Kullu district on Tuesday, killing three people and injuring 39 others, police said.
The bus driver was among three died when the bus, on its way to Kullu's Anni from Karsog, fell into a gorge near Shakdler village. The bus fell about 120 metres down the hill before crashing and got completely damaged.
"A private bus carrying around 42 people fell 70-80 metres down the hill in the Ani area today. 3 people have died and 39 people were injured," Kullu SP Dr Karthikeyan Gokul Chandran said, according to ANI.
The police and locals reached the spot immediately after the accident and started the rescue operations. Meanwhile, videos on the internet showed the bus reduced to a metal frame after falling from the height.
Of those injured, 11 are said to be in critically condition and were rushed to IGMC Shimla while the others were sent to Rampur hospital, according to officials.
The deceased have been identified as bus driver Dinanath, a Mandi resident, Keshav Ram and Gulshan from Kullu, as per officials.
Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu and Deputy Chief Minister Mukesh Agnihotri have expressed grief over the loss of lived in the accident and directed the district administration to extend every possible support to the affected families and ensure proper medical assistance to the injured.
"A tragic incident has been reported from the Ani sub-division of Kullu district, where a private bus fell into a gorge, resulting in the untimely death of one person and injuries to several others. The administration has been directed to provide immediate medical assistance to the injured. I pray to God to grant peace to the departed soul and give strength to their families to bear this immense loss. I also wish for the speedy recovery of the injured," the Himachal CM said in a post on X.