Sirmaur, Himachal Pradesh, Jan 9, 2026: At least eight people were killed and five others injured after a private bus veered off the road and fell into a deep gorge near Haripurdhar in Sirmaur district, police confirmed on Thursday.

The bus, reportedly traveling from Solan to Haripurdhar, fell approximately 200 feet down the hill before landing upside down. Initial reports indicate that 30 to 35 passengers were on board at the time of the accident.

Rescue Efforts

• Locals immediately rushed to the site to assist and informed the authorities.
• Police and emergency response teams launched rescue operations, evacuating the injured and clearing the wreckage.
• Medical teams and doctors at Dadahu, Sangrah, and Nahan hospitals were placed on alert to provide emergency treatment.

Official Responses

• Sirmaur SP Nishchit Negi confirmed eight fatalities, cautioning that the death toll may rise as rescue operations continue.
• Industry Minister and local MLA Harshwardhan Chauhan expressed condolences and assured full administrative support for relief operations.
• Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu expressed grief over the loss of lives and directed district authorities to:
  • Provide all possible assistance to the next of kin of the deceased
  • Ensure best medical care for the injured
  • Facilitate a speedy recovery for those hospitalized

The cause of the accident is currently unknown, and authorities are investigating the circumstances that led to the bus veering off the road.

The tragedy has prompted heightened alerts across the district to ensure road safety and preparedness for emergencies.

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