At least 43 people were killed and 35 others severely injured when an overloaded bus fell into a deep drain in Kullu district of Himachal Pradesh on Thursday, officials said.
The private bus (bearing registration number HP 66-7065) fell into the over 300-metre-deep nullah near the Dhoth Morh in Banjar tehsil of the district, Kullu Superintendent of Police Shalini Agnihotri said, adding that the vehicle was en route to Gada Gushaini.
#UPDATE 43 people dead, 35 injured after a private bus fell into a deep gorge near Banjar area of Kullu district, earlier today. #HimachalPradesh pic.twitter.com/AQMnNnLFVO
— ANI (@ANI) June 20, 2019
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Congress president Rahul Gandhi condoled the death of people, with the former saying the state government is extending all possible help to the injured.
Deeply saddened by the bus accident in Kullu. Condolences to the families of those who lost their lives. I hope the injured recover soon. The Himachal Pradesh Government is providing all possible assistance that is required: PM @narendramodi
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) June 20, 2019
हिमाचल प्रदेश के कुल्लू में हुई बस दुर्घटना दुखद हैं ।इस दुर्घटना में मारे गए लोगों के परिवारों के प्रति मेरी गहरी संवेदना और घायलों के जल्द स्वस्थ होने की कामना करता हूं । मैं इस क्षेत्र के कांग्रेस पार्टी के कार्यकर्ताओं से पीड़ितों की मदद करने का अनुरोध करता हूं। https://t.co/KUwwr4Xp1N
— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) June 20, 2019
Most of the victims were residents of various areas in Kullu district.
Himachal Pradesh governor Acharya Devvrat and chief minister Jai Ram Thakur expressed grief over the tragic accident. In their condolence messages, they prayed for peace to the departed souls and strength to the bereaved family members, an official spokesperson said.
The chief minister has ordered a magisterial inquiry into the incident, the official said, adding that Thakur also asked the administration to provide best possible medicare to the injured passengers.
