The accident took place at Dhalu near Jogindernagar in district Mandi this morning.
According to information by HP I&PR Dept., Private Bus No. HP-39 A-4655 was on its way to Mandi from Dharamsala. About 7 persons who were killed on the spot were identified as Shri Thothi Ram Vice President, Gram Panchayat Chauntra Bharyana, Miss Isha BA III student r/o Sukabag, Jogindernagar, Smt. Sunita Devi w/o Shri Rajesh Kumar r/o Sakri, Shri Paramjeet (Driver) Kangra New Prem Bus, Shri Chuhar Singh (Conductor) New Prem Bus, Smt. Prem Lata, Ward Sister, Civil Hospital Jogindernagar, Smt. Pula Devi r/o Baijnath.
38 persons injured in the mishap out of which five were seriously injured.
Officers of the District Administration alongwith medical team rushed to the spot to supervise the rescue operations. A relief of Rs. 10 thousand each was provided immediately to next of kin of the deceased and those who were seriously injured.
Himachal transport Minister said that an amount of Rs. One lakh would be given to the next of kin of deceased under Passenger Ex-gratia Scheme.
Transport Minister directed all the RTOs to initiate special drive to check the driving license of the private stage carriage vehicles and added that if any vehicle was found without a valid driving license then, the same should be impounded. He further said that a meeting under the Chairmanship of Chief Secretary would be convened soon to find out the reasons of increase in the accidents of stage carriage buses and to suggest measures to control the accidents in Himachal Pradesh.
