An ill fated overcrowded HRTC bus was met with an accident at Pehlog near Dhabbas in Chopal region of Shimla district. Eight people were reported to be killed and 54 were injured in the mishap. The bus was on its way from Shimla to Pehlog of Chopal area.
Transport Minister G.S. Bali ordered magisterial inquiry into the causes of bus accident. He also directed the Director Transport to release Rs. one lakh as ex-gratia relief to the kin of the deceased.
Local administration has provided an immediate relief Rs. 10,000 to the kin of the deceased. Local MLA Balbir Singh Verma visited the spot.
Governor Urmila Singh and Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh have expressed grief over the accident. The Chief Minister directed the district administration to provide immediate relief to the next of kin of the deceased and ensure best treatment to the injured besides financial assistance to them.
Irrigation and Public Health Minister Vidya Stokes, Health Minister Kaul Singh Thakur, Power Minister Sujan Singh Pathania, Forest Minister Thakur Singh Bharmouri, Industries Minister Mukesh Agnihotri, Urban Development Minister Sudhir Sharma, Excise and Taxation Minister Prakash Chaudhary, Social Justice and Empowerment Minister Col. (Retd.) Dr. Dhani Ram Shandil, Rural Development and Panchayati Raj Minister Anil Sharma and all Chief Parliamentary Secretaries, BJYM Chopal leader Amit Singh Chauhan have also expressed grief over the bus accident.
