Jagran Team, Sundernagar (Mandi): At least 16 passengers were injured after a private bus overturned on the Bilaspur–Mandi highway in Himachal Pradesh's Mandi district on Monday, reportedly after a portion of the road caved in amid continuous monsoon rains.
The bus, carrying more than 30 passengers, was travelling from Bilaspur to Mandi via Dehar when the accident took place near Bhawana Bridge in the Sundernagar subdivision. Officials said the road collapsed around 200 metres before the bridge, causing the vehicle to lose balance and overturn.
The accident sparked panic as several passengers were trapped inside the bus. Local residents, along with the district administration and rescue teams, rushed to the spot and launched rescue operations. The trapped passengers were pulled out and shifted to Civil Hospital, Sundernagar.
According to officials, at least 16 passengers sustained injuries. Most of the injured were discharged after receiving first aid, while those with more serious injuries remain under medical observation. Police have registered a case and initiated an investigation into the incident.
The rain-related accident comes as Himachal Pradesh continues to experience heavy rainfall during the ongoing monsoon season. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an orange alert for Kangra, Una and Sirmaur districts, forecasting isolated heavy to very heavy rainfall. Isolated heavy rain is also likely in Chamba, Mandi and Shimla districts.
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According to IMD, the intense rainfall may trigger localised waterlogging in low-lying areas, make roads slippery, reduce visibility and increase the risk of vehicles skidding. The weather conditions are also expected to cause traffic congestion and may temporarily disrupt essential services and routine outdoor activities in affected areas.