A state roadways bus fell into a 400 m deep gorge in Kadhar Ghat in Basantpur area killing 21 people.
15 people got injured in the accident. The injured have been taken to Indira Gandhi College and Hospital in Shimla, say reports.
The bus was travelling from Shimla to Savera Khad. The accident is said to have taken place around 3.30 pm. The unidentified bodies of victims have been sent for postmortem
DW Negi, SP, Shimla who visited the spot said that the bus driver who has over 10 years of experience jumped out and is reported to be safe, say reports. The SP is overseeing the rescue operation along with the SDM of rural Shimla and crane was sent to clear the debris and recover dead bodies.
According to reports, Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh has asked the Shimla district administration to conduct the relief and rescue operations on a war footing. He also visited the IGCH and has ordered a magisterial probe into the accident.
It is speculated that due to bad weather and fog, the driver could not see the vehicle coming from other side that led him to lose control over the vehicle, the police said to the media.
An HRTC official said media persons that the bus was 2011 model which covered 3.5 lakh km.
