Himachal: Bus plunges into gorge killing 12

At least 12 passengers were killed and 43 injured, when a bus plunged into a deep gorge in Mandi district of Himachal Pradesh late last night. The mishap happened on Pathankot-Manali National Highway in Gallu area.

Due to ongoing strike of the 108 ambulance employees union, the authorities had to face difficulties in the rescue operation. The state Transport Minister G.S. Bali has ordered enquiry into the incident.

The ill-fated bus of the Himachal Road Transport Corporation was on its way to Reckong Peo from Dharamshala when it met with the accident.

According to reports, while giving a pass to another bus on the National Highway, the driver of the bus Kishan Chand lost control over the vehicle.

Nine people including the driver, died on the spot while others succumbed to injuries in various hospitals.

Several injured have been referred to the PGI Chandigarh and Tanda Medical College, where some are stated to be in critical condition.