Speeding Tourist Bus Overturns on Kiratpur-Manali Route: 31 Injured, 2 Critical

Mandi (The Uttam Hindu): A major accident occurred early Sunday morning when a luxury tourist bus overturned near Char Mile on the Kiratpur-Manali four-lane highway at around 4:00 AM. The bus was en route to Kasol (Kullu-Manali) carrying 38 people, including the driver and conductor.

According to preliminary information, 31 passengers sustained injuries in the incident. Among them, two individuals are reported to be in critical condition and have been referred to Nerchowk Medical College for advanced medical care. Six others suffered serious injuries, while the remaining passengers were treated for minor injuries and discharged after receiving first aid.

Authorities suspect that high speed was the primary cause of the accident. The Additional Superintendent of Police (ASP), Mandi, stated that the initial investigation points to the bus traveling at excessive speed. As a result, the driver reportedly lost control, leading the vehicle to slip off the road and overturn.

A detailed investigation is currently underway. Officials will also question the driver to determine whether fatigue, negligence, or a mechanical failure contributed to the crash. Emergency response teams, including police and local administration, quickly arrived at the scene upon receiving information about the incident. Local residents also played a crucial role in assisting with the rescue operation, helping to extract the injured from the overturned bus.

In a separate development, the collapse of the Mangalore bridge has severely disrupted connectivity between Kullu and Mandi, bringing daily life in the region to a standstill. The bridge, which had reportedly been in a dilapidated condition for years, finally gave way, causing significant transportation issues in the area.