Shimla, May 16 (UNI) A Himachal Road Transport Corporation (HRTC) bus overturned near the Piplughat area in Solan district on Thursday morning, leaving over 15 passengers injured, including several school students.
The mishap occurred when the bus (registration number HP-03B-6202), en route from Sheelghat to Shimla via Arki, lost control and overturned on the Saryans–Piplughat road. Preliminary reports suggest that a pressure pipe burst, and the vehicle overturned as the driver applied brakes, causing it to hit a hillside.
"There were around 25 to 30 passengers on board. The accident occurred due to the bursting of the pressure pipe," said bus conductor Hiralal. “As soon as the driver braked, the bus lost balance and overturned.”
Thanks to the bus crashing into the hill rather than veering off into a nearby deep gorge, a major tragedy was averted.
Local residents, along with emergency services, rushed to the spot and helped shift the injured to Arki Hospital, where all are undergoing treatment. Most injuries are reported to be to the head, mouth, and arms, though all injured are said to be out of danger.
The local administration and police have reached the site, and an investigation is underway.
UNI ML ARN