18 lose their lives as bus falls into 200-metre-deep gorge

Fifteen people died on the <g data-gr-id="31">spot,</g> while three succumbed to their injuries on way to <g data-gr-id="30">hospital</g> and 12 others were injured, SP, Kinnaur, Rahul Nath said. “The condition of four injured persons is stated to be serious and they have been rushed to Civil Hospital Rampur. The private bus was on its way to Rampur from Rekong Peo when the tragedy struck,” he said.

The official added the deceased included two policemen while the identity of the others was being identified. Since most of the people <g data-gr-id="24">travelling</g> in the bus were locals, a large number of people rushed to the spot as relatives of the passengers looked for their kin.

After hurtling into the gorge, the bus stopped on the banks of Sutlej, a few meters from the river and some of the victims jumped out of the vehicle. The bus broke into pieces and rescuers struggled to pull out victims trapped in the vehicle. Rescue teams, assisted by locals, had a tough time in bringing the injured to nearest <g data-gr-id="27">roadhead</g>, he said.

The injured have been admitted to hospital at <g data-gr-id="19">Bhawa</g> Nagar while two seriously injured persons were rushed to <g data-gr-id="22">civil</g> hospital at Rampur. The official said the cause of the accident could not be ascertained so <g data-gr-id="26">far</g> but eye-witnesses said it took place as the driver tried to overtake another bus.