Shimla
A major road accident was reported near Zirakpur on Thursday after a private bus travelling from Manali to Chandigarh overturned, leaving more than 20 passengers injured. The mishap triggered panic among commuters as locals and police teams rushed to the spot to rescue trapped passengers.
According to reports, the bus lost control near the Zirakpur area before overturning on the roadside. Several passengers suffered injuries in the crash, while a few were stated to be seriously hurt. Emergency teams and ambulances immediately launched rescue operations and shifted the injured to nearby hospitals for treatment.
Eyewitnesses said the impact of the accident was so severe that passengers screamed for help as windows shattered and luggage was thrown across the road. Traffic movement on the stretch remained disrupted for some time following the accident. Police have initiated an investigation to ascertain the exact cause of the mishap.
The incident once again raises serious concerns over the safety standards of private buses operating on hill routes, where reckless driving, overspeeding and driver fatigue continue to pose a major threat to passengers.
