Key Facts
On June 22, 2026, a Himachal Road Transport Corporation (HRTC) bus lost control and overturned near Batehda village in Sarkaghat subdivision, Mandi district. The driver, Pritam Chand (53), sustained critical injuries and was referred to AIIMS Bilaspur after first aid. The conductor, Ashish Kumar (33), and the sole passenger, Gulab Singh (78), suffered minor injuries and were treated at the Community Health Centre (CHC) Baldwara.
Details of the Incident
The bus, belonging to the Sarkaghat depot, departed from Thana Chowki at around 7:15 AM on Monday. Approximately 15 minutes later, near Batehda, the driver lost control, causing the vehicle to veer off the road and fall about 15-20 feet down before overturning. Fortunately, the bus carried only one passenger at the time, preventing a larger tragedy.
Rescue and Medical Response
Local residents immediately initiated rescue operations and transported the injured to CHC Baldwara. The driver, Pritam Chand, suffered a deep back injury and was later referred to AIIMS Bilaspur for advanced care. The conductor and the passenger were treated for minor injuries and discharged after first aid.
Official Reaction and Investigation
Sarkaghat MLA Dalip Thakur visited CHC Baldwara to inquire about the victims' health and spoke with doctors about their treatment. Regional Manager of HRTC Sarkaghat, Rajkumar Dhiman, stated that an investigation is underway to determine the cause of the accident.
FAQ
Where did the HRTC bus accident occur?
The accident happened near Batehda village in Sarkaghat subdivision of Mandi district, Himachal Pradesh.
How many people were injured in the bus overturn?
The driver was critically injured, while the conductor and one passenger sustained minor injuries.
What was the bus route and time of the accident?
The bus was traveling from Thana Chowki to Sarkaghat and overturned around 7:30 AM on June 22, 2026.
Source: www.amarujala.com