Bus crash in Himachal Pradesh kills 9

KATHMANDU: At least nine people were killed and around 40 others injured after a passenger bus slipped off a hilly road and plunged into a deep gorge in the northern Indian state of Himachal Pradesh, officials said.

The accident occurred in Haripurdhar village of Sirmaur district, which lies about 142 kilometers southeast of the state capital, Shimla.

According to officials, the bus was traveling on a narrow mountain road when it lost control and skidded off the roadway, falling into a steep ravine.

Rescue operations were launched soon after the incident. Local residents, police personnel, and emergency responders took part in the effort to pull victims out of the gorge, which is located in a difficult-to-access mountainous area.

The injured were rescued and taken to nearby hospitals for treatment. Some of them are reported to be in serious condition.

Authorities said the exact cause of the accident is yet to be determined.

Further details are expected after an official assessment of the incident.

Himachal Pradesh, a Himalayan state, frequently witnesses road accidents due to its steep terrain, sharp curves, and narrow roads, particularly in remote areas.

The state administration has been informed about the incident, and local officials are continuing relief and medical support for the victims and their families.