Mandi, Himachal Pradesh — A serious road accident involving a public transport bus occurred on Saturday morning near Tapoun village in the Mandi district, leaving multiple passengers injured as authorities rushed to the scene.
The Himachal Road Transport bus, on its way to Sarkaghat, lost control of the vehicle on a hilly stretch — a common risk on narrow and winding mountain roads — and crashed. At least seven people were reported injured in the immediate aftermath. Local police from Sarkaghat and emergency response teams reached the site promptly to provide medical assistance and manage the situation.
While there were no reported fatalities in this latest incident so far, it has reignited public concern over road safety in the region, especially during the challenging weather conditions that persist in Himachal’s hill terrain.
A Pattern of Deadly Bus Accidents in Mandi District
This accident comes amid a troubling history of bus crashes in the hilly terrains of Himachal Pradesh, particularly in Mandi district:
1) Major Gorge Plunge in July 2025
In one of the most severe accidents in recent years, a **Himachal Road Transport Corporation (HRTC) bus plunged into a deep gorge near Maseran in the Sarkaghat area in July 2025.
- Eight people lost their lives and 21 others were injured when the bus veered off a narrow mountainous road and tumbled down approximately 20–25 meters.
- Victims included both women and men from local communities.
- Local police, emergency teams, and residents worked together to rescue survivors and transport the injured to multiple hospitals, including Civil Hospital Sarkaghat, Government Medical College Nerchowk, and AIIMS Bilaspur.
- Officials, including the Mandi SP and state leaders, launched a magisterial inquiry into the cause.
2) Other Similar Accidents
Over the past year, Mandi has witnessed several other road mishaps involving buses:
- A bus accident in Patrighat resulted in dozens of passengers being injured when the vehicle fell into a gorge.
- Another private bus crash on the Mandi–Jahu road caused around 20 injuries as rescue operations were launched.
- Episodes where heavy rain or rough roads led to buses plunging off hillside stretches.
Root Causes Behind Frequent Accidents
Experts and authorities point to several factors that frequently contribute to such tragic road accidents in Himachal Pradesh’s hilly regions:
Mountain Road Conditions
The state’s geography — with steep slopes, narrow two-lane roads, sudden curves, and limited safety barriers — increases the risk of losing control, especially for larger vehicles like buses.
Weather Challenges
Monsoon rains and winter conditions often bring slippery surfaces, falling rocks, and reduced visibility, making driving hazardous. In Mandi district, heavy rains and landslides have previously resulted in roads being blocked and accidents increasing during peak rainy periods.
Infrastructure Constraints
While efforts are ongoing to improve road safety, experts frequently note that adequate road widening, better guardrails, enhanced drainage, and timely maintenance are crucial to reducing accidents in mountainous districts.
Government and Community Response
Following serious accidents like the July 2025 tragedy, authorities have promised:
- Magisterial inquiries to investigate causes and accountability.
- Medical care and compensation for victims’ families.
- Improved rescue readiness in accident-prone stretches.
Local representatives have also echoed calls for enhanced road safety measures, including better driver training, monitoring systems for vehicles on steep terrain, and public awareness campaigns for safer mountain travel.
What This Means for Travellers and Residents
Himachal Pradesh’s scenic beauty draws tourists and supports local mobility, but the challenging landscape demands:
- Extreme caution by drivers, especially during adverse weather.
- Regular vehicle maintenance checks before traversing hilly routes.
- Real-time traffic and weather updates from authorities before travel.
For residents of Mandi and surrounding regions, this latest accident underscores the urgency of strengthened safety norms and infrastructure to prevent future tragedies.
Last Updated on: Saturday, January 17, 2026 1:57 pm by Praneetha Kattamidi | Published by: Praneetha Kattamidi on Saturday, January 17, 2026 1:57 pm | News Categories: Startups
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