Himachal bus tradegy: Victims' kin to get Rs 5 lakh compensation

Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh on 8 May announced Rs five lakh as compensation for the family of the deceased in the 7 May accident which claimed the lives of at least 12 passengers and left 43 injured - when a bus plunged into a deep gorge in Mandi district.

The Himachal Road Transport Corporation was on its way to Reckong Peo from Dharamshala when it met with the accident on the Pathankot-Manali National Highway in Gallu area.

Due to the ongoing strike of the 108 ambulance employees union, the authorities had to face difficulties in the rescue operation. State Transport Minister GS Bali has ordered an enquiry into the incident.

According to reports, the driver Kishan Chand lost control over his vehicle while giving way to another bus on the National Highway.

Nine people, including the driver, died on the spot while others succumbed to their injuries in various hospitals.

Several injured were referred to the PGI Chandigarh and Tanda Medical College, where some are stated to be critical.

--ANI