2019 Kullu bus accident
{{Use dmy dates|date=June 2019}}
{{Use Indian English|date=June 2019}}
{{Old news|date=March 2024}}
{{Infobox public transit accident
| name = 2019 Kullu bus accident
| image =
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| image_map =
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| pushpin_map = India Himachal Pradesh#India
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| pushpin_map_caption = Location in Himachal Pradesh, India
| coordinates = {{coord|31.63|N|77.35|E|display=inline,title}}
| date = 20 June 2019
| time = 4 PM IST
| location = Dhoth Morh, tehsil Banjar, district Kullu, Himachal Pradesh, India
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| location_city = Banjar
| location_dist_km = 2
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| country = {{flag|India}}
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| operator = Private bus
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| type = Fell into the over 300-metre-deep nullah (drain)
| cause =
| bus = Registration number HP 65-7065
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| passengers = 70
| crew = 2
| pedestrians =
| deaths = 44
| injuries = 34
| damage =
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On 20 June 2019, an overloaded bus fell into a deep drain in Dhoth Morh, tehsil Banjar, Kullu district in Himachal Pradesh. At least 44 people died and 34 others were injured in the accident.{{cite news |title=Death Toll in Kullu Bus Accident Rises to 44, Over 30 in Hospital as Transport Minister Rushes to Take Stock |url=https://www.news18.com/news/india/death-toll-in-kullu-bus-accident-rises-to-44-over-30-in-hospital-as-transport-minister-rushes-to-take-stock-2196897.html |accessdate=22 June 2019 |work=News18}}{{cite news |title=44 Dead As Bus Falls Into Gorge In Himachal Pradesh, Many Were Sitting On Roof|url=https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/25-dead-35-injured-as-bus-falls-in-gorge-in-himachal-pradeshs-kullu-2056525|accessdate=22 June 2019 |work=NDTV|first1=Mohammad |last1=Ghazali |first2=Divyanshu| last2=Dutta Roy}}
Accident
The private bus registration number (HP 66-7065) was running on Kullu-Gadagushaini route. Two kilometres from Banjar bus stand, it fell into the deep gorge on a sharp turn at Bhiyoth.{{cite news|title=44 killed as overloaded bus skids off Himachal Pradesh road into gorge|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chandigarh/44-killed-as-overloaded-bus-skids-off-hp-road-into-gorge/articleshow/69882338.cms|work=The Times of India|date=21 June 2019}} As the bus was travelling on an uphill section of road, near Dhoth Morh, it came to a bend where it fell down the gorge in Banjar nullah. The death toll rose to 44 and the injured were taken to Banjar hospital in ambulances. The injured were getting treatment at Banjar and Kullu hospitals, whereas seriously injured were sent to PGIMER, Chandigarh. Most of the victims were students of Government Degree College, Banjar going back to home.{{cite news|last1=Sharma|first1=Suresh|title=Kullu accident: Toll rises to 44, CM orders magisterial probe|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/shimla/at-least-20-killed-as-bus-falls-into-gorge-in-himachal-pradesh/articleshow/69876386.cms|work=The Times of India|date=21 June 2019}}
Investigation
The Chief Minister, Jai Ram Thakur Himachal Pradesh, ordered a magisterial inquiry to be conducted by the Additional District Magistrate, Kullu. Thakur said that stern action will be taken against the bus owners if found guilty of overloading.{{cite news |title=A Day After Kullu Bus Accident, Himachal CM Says Will Act Against Bus Owners Found Guilty of Overloading|url=https://www.news18.com/news/india/a-day-after-kullu-bus-accident-himachal-cm-says-will-act-against-bus-owners-found-guilty-of-overloading-2198533.html|date=21 June 2019|access-date=22 June 2019|work=News18}}
References
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