Accident Overview
Around 6 a.m. on Saturday, a Himachal Road Transport Corporation (HRTC) bus heading from Manali to Pathankot toppled near the Police Line area of Bashing in Kullu district. The vehicle, which was carrying four passengers in addition to the driver and the conductor, rolled onto its side, leaving all six on board with injuries ranging from minor to severe.
Injured Passengers
Those hurt include four travelers – Shyam Lal (45), Krishna Thapa (42), Chhaya Devi (25) and Rakesh Kumar (31) – as well as driver Manmohan Singh (42). The conductor, Praveen (46), sustained only light injuries. All six victims were promptly taken to the Regional Hospital in Kullu for medical care.
Police Response and Investigation
Local law‑enforcement reached the crash site shortly after the incident and have opened an inquiry into the cause of the overturn. Officers are collecting statements from witnesses and inspecting road conditions near the Police Line to determine whether driver error, mechanical failure, or external factors contributed to the accident.
Importance of the Route
The Manali‑Pathankot corridor serves as a vital link for residents and tourists navigating the Kullu valley. Because the bus was operating early in the morning, it was relatively lightly loaded, a factor that may influence the ongoing investigation.
Current Situation
Medical teams continue to monitor the patients’ conditions, while police officials have pledged to provide further updates as the probe progresses.
