A catastrophic tragedy was narrowly avoided on Thursday morning in the Bilaspur district of Himachal Pradesh when a crowded state transport bus collided with a private vehicle. The Himachal Road Transport Corporation (HRTC) bus, carrying approximately 40 passengers, spun out of control and hung dangerously over a steep cliff edge along the Bhaged-Panaul road. However, a small concrete roadside parapet acted as a sturdy barrier, preventing the vehicle from plummeting into the abyss below.
Head-On Collision Near Hanuman Temple
The incident took place on the Bhaged-Panaul route near the local Hanuman Temple. The HRTC bus was traveling from Jablu toward Ghumarwin during peak morning hours. Among the 40 commuters on board were several school children, college students, and daily workers heading to their routine destinations. As the state transport vehicle approached the temple stretch, it collided head-on with a private bus operated by Megh Travels, which was running on the Geharwin-Ghumarwin-Geharwin route.
Roadside Structure Averts 200-Meter Fall
Impact from the crash pushed the HRTC bus off the main carriageway, causing half of its body to tilt perilously over the open edge. Terrified passengers were left suspended above a 200-meter deep gorge. A small parapet built at the shoulder of the roadway successfully absorbed the momentum and locked the bus wheels in place. Had this concrete structure failed to hold the weight, the bus would have plunged straight down into the 200-meter drop. Details of the dramatic scene were also shared on X shortly after the accident.
Passengers Suffer Minor Injuries
Despite the severe potential of the accident, all occupants survived the ordeal without fatal injuries. Out of the 40 people on board, a few individuals suffered minor bruises and scratches and received prompt medical assistance. Nearby residents rushed to the site immediately after hearing the crash to assist in evacuating the traumatized students and commuters from the tilted bus. Local authorities arrived on the scene soon after to inspect the damaged vehicles and initiate an inquiry into the exact cause of the crash.
