14 people dead, PM Modi announces ex-gratia compensation for victims

Police said the bus was heading to Shimla from Kupvi.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s office (PMO) on Friday expressed condolences over the loss of life in a major bus accident in Himachal Pradesh’s Sirmaur district and announced ex-gratia compensation for the victims from the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund (PMNRF). PMO shared a post on

PMO also announced financial assistance to the victims and said: “The next of kin of each deceased will be given a gift of Rs 2 lakh from PMNRF. The injured will be given Rs 50,000.” It was reported that 14 people lost their lives when a private bus carrying more than 30 passengers left the road and flew into a deep valley near Harpur Dhar in Sirmaur district. Police said the bus was heading to Shimla from Kupvi.

Sirmaur Superintendent of Police (SP) Nishchit Negi had earlier told news agency ANI: “Eight deaths have been confirmed so far,” adding that the death toll may rise. “There were approximately 30 to 35 passengers on the bus. More details are awaited,” Negi said. he said. According to police, the accident occurred about an hour before authorities were notified. Police and emergency teams were dispatched to the scene of the accident, and rescue and evacuation efforts were started immediately.

Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu also expressed deep sorrow over the incident and said: “The unfortunate bus, while traveling from Shimla to Kupvi via Rajgarh, veered off the road and fell into a deep gorge.” The CM directed the administration to prioritize saving lives and ensure best possible medical treatment for the injured and provide all necessary assistance to the families of the victims. He also wished patience for the souls of those who lost their lives and strength and patience for their families.

(With inputs from news agency ANI).