Why Did the Himachal Bus Tragedy Touch So Many Hearts?
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Key Takeaways
New Delhi, Jan 9 (NationPress) Prime Minister Narendra Modi, along with Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi and several other prominent figures, expressed profound sorrow on Friday regarding the tragic loss of lives in a devastating road accident in Sirmaur district, Himachal Pradesh. A private bus tragically skidded off the road, plunging into a deep gorge in a remote mountainous region.
“The loss of lives due to a bus mishap in Sirmaur, Himachal Pradesh, is extremely saddening. Condolences to those who have lost their loved ones. Praying for the speedy recovery of those injured,” PM Modi remarked in a message on X.
He also announced an ex gratia payment of Rs 2 lakh from the PMNRF to each of the deceased's families. Those injured will receive Rs 50,000 each.
Union Minister J.P. Nadda described the incident as heart-wrenching, stating that he instructed the BJP state president Rajeev Bindal and Leader of the Opposition Jairam Thakur to oversee the relief and rescue efforts closely.
“Numerous BJP volunteers are present at the site to aid the injured. I extend my deepest sympathies to the grieving families and pray for resilience during this challenging time,” he stated on X.
Also expressing her condolences, Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra said, “The news of multiple fatalities from a passenger bus falling into a gorge in Sirmaur is heartbreaking. May God provide peace to the departed souls. My condolences to the bereaved families. I urge the state government and my Congress colleagues to provide all possible support to the victims.”
At least eight individuals lost their lives and many others sustained injuries when the bus, which was transporting over 50 passengers, encountered the accident near Haripurdhar on Friday. Officials indicated that the death toll might increase as rescue operations are still underway.
The police have yet to determine the cause of the accident. The bus was traveling from Shimla to Kupvi via Rajgarh when it reportedly lost control while descending a steep incline. Most of the injured, many of whom are local residents, were rushed to the government hospital in Haripurdhar.
The district administration encountered significant challenges in extricating victims from the severely damaged vehicle, while local residents began rescue efforts prior to the arrival of authorities.
Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu also expressed his sorrow over the tragic loss of life and instructed district officials to provide all necessary assistance to the families of the deceased and ensure the best medical care for the injured. He prayed for peace for the lost souls and strength for the grieving families.
Former Union Minister Anurag Thakur called the event “extremely distressing” and extended heartfelt condolences to the victims' families, praying for the rapid recovery of the injured.