Overview
- A private bus traveling between Shimla/Solan and Kupvi plunged roughly 100–150 metres into a gorge near Haripurdhar on Friday, leaving 14 dead and dozens injured.
- Police say a 36-seater mini bus was carrying far more passengers than permitted, with Indian Express reporting at least 78 on board and about 64 injured.
- An FIR for death due to negligent driving has been registered against the deceased driver, and Deputy Chief Minister Mukesh Agnihotri has ordered a high-level inquiry.
- Injured passengers were evacuated with help from local residents and are being treated in Sangrah, Dadahu, Nahan, Shimla’s IGMC and PGIMER Chandigarh, with the state covering medical costs.
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced ex-gratia payments of Rs 2 lakh to the next of kin of each deceased and Rs 50,000 to the injured, as officials also review the bus’s fitness status due for renewal.