Shimla–Kupvi Bus Crash: A tragic road accident shook Himachal Pradesh’s Sirmaur district on Friday afternoon when a private bus traveling from Shimla to Kupvi plunged into a nearly 500-foot-deep gorge near the Haripurdhar area. The crash claimed nine lives and left around 40 passengers injured, several of them in critical condition.
The accident occurred on a narrow and dangerous stretch of the hill road, where even a small mistake can turn fatal. According to preliminary information, the bus appears to have lost control while negotiating a sharp curve. Locals believe frost had formed on the road surface, making it slippery and difficult to handle, which may have caused the vehicle to skid off the edge.
The impact was so powerful that it was heard across nearby villages. Within minutes, local residents rushed to the spot and began climbing down the steep gorge to reach the damaged bus. With no safety equipment and only basic tools, they helped pull out injured passengers and provided first aid until emergency services arrived.
Police, district administration officials, and disaster response teams were later mobilized and launched a coordinated rescue operation. Ambulances and medical teams transported the injured to hospitals in Haripurdhar, Rajgarh, and Solan for urgent treatment. Doctors said several victims suffered multiple fractures and serious internal injuries.
So far, three to four bodies have been recovered from the gorge, but authorities fear that more passengers may still be trapped in the wreckage. Rescue teams continue to search the steep ravine, carefully moving debris and checking for signs of life.
Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu expressed deep sorrow over the tragedy and directed district officials to provide all possible assistance to the families of the deceased and the injured. He also instructed hospitals to ensure that the victims receive the best possible medical care.
The incident has once again raised concerns over road safety in Himachal Pradesh, especially on high-altitude routes during winter. Frost, fog, and narrow mountain roads make driving extremely risky, even for experienced drivers. Locals have repeatedly demanded better safety measures such as crash barriers, warning signs, and regular road maintenance along routes like the Shimla–Kupvi road.
As rescue operations continue, the entire region remains in shock. Families anxiously wait for news about their loved ones, while authorities work against time in the difficult terrain. The tragic crash has left a deep mark on the hill state, reminding everyone of the dangers that come with traveling through its rugged mountains.