SHIMLA: One person was killed while seven other passengers were injured when the shooting boulders fell on an HRTC bus they were traveling in near 4414 M high Saach Pass. The bus was going from Killar in Pangi valley to Chamba on Sunday.
The passengers including children and women traveling in the bus had a providential escape after the shooting boulders hit the bus one after the other that hanged precariously on the steep slope.
There was panic after the boulders fell on the bus. The road blocked, said the residents.
Even another utility vehicle also was hit by the boulders the Saach Pass, with its occupants having a close shave.
The accident has exposed the tall claims of the state PWD that they have made travel safe taking care of the dark spots including the menace of the shooting boulders, which continued to be big danger on the hill roads in the state.
The condition of the road is pathetic and HRTC drivers locals face the dangers 24x7 while travelling on this road. There no warning signs to sound drivers,
There are no crash barriers on the road and Pangwals are left to the sheer good luck if they escape unhurt from the falling boulders, said locals.
The Saach Pass is located about 127 km from Chamba town, the district headquaters. The road opened for the HRTC buses last month since December last, said officials.
Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur has expressed grief over the bus accident. He said the injured have been shifted to Jawaharlal Nehru Government Medical College, Chamba for treatment where they were reported to be stable but serious.
Chief Minister has expressed his condolences to the bereaved family members and wished speedy recovery to the injured in the accident.