Key Facts
Mandi district witnessed a dramatic incident on Wednesday when a boulder crashed into a moving Himachal Road Transport Corporation (HRTC) bus on the Suhra-Baggi route, injuring a female passenger. The rain intensity decreased in the afternoon, allowing restoration work to progress, but authorities remain on alert.
Bus Accident Details
A video of the incident surfaced on Wednesday, showing the boulder smashing through the window behind the driver and entering the bus. Panic ensued, but the driver safely stopped the vehicle and rushed the injured woman to a hospital. HRTC Divisional Manager Uttam Chand confirmed that the passenger sustained minor injuries.
Road and Power Restoration
According to the District Emergency Operations Center (DEOC), 26 roads were closed at 10 am, including two in Saraj, seven in Thaleaut, nine in Padhar, and eight in Dharmapur. By 4 pm, only four rural roads in Thaleaut remained closed. All national highways, state highways, and major district roads were reopened. Power supply improved significantly: from 103 affected distribution transformers (DTRs) in Mandi and Jogindernagar divisions in the morning, only 14 DTRs in Jogindernagar remained without power by evening.
Other Disruptions
Waterlogging near Bindravani on the Mandi-Kullu foreland caused trouble for two-wheeler riders. A landslide at Lavandi near Magal on the Mandi-Pathankot National Highway disrupted traffic, forcing vehicles to be diverted via the under-construction four-lane road. NHAI teams worked to clear debris.
What Readers Should Know
Mandi Deputy Commissioner Apoorv Devgan urged people to maintain distance from rivers, drains, and landslide-prone areas during bad weather. He advised following weather department warnings and traveling only when necessary. The administration and NHAI teams are working to fully restore the affected routes.
FAQ
How did the bus accident happen in Mandi?
A large boulder fell from a hillside onto a moving HRTC bus on the Suhra-Baggi route, breaking a window and injuring a female passenger.
How many roads were closed in Mandi due to rain?
At 10 am, 26 roads were closed; by 4 pm only 4 rural roads in Thaleaut sub-division remained closed.
What is the current power situation in Mandi?
Initially 103 DTRs were affected; by evening only 14 DTRs in Jogindernagar division were still without power.
What advice has the Mandi DC given to residents?
DC Apoorv Devgan advised staying away from rivers, drains, and landslide-prone areas, and to travel only when necessary during bad weather.