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40 killed as bus falls into rivulet
Our Correspondent

Chamba, March 1
About 40 persons were killed and one was injured when an HRTC bus plunged into the Budhil rivulet, a tributary of the Ravi, at Lahal, 50 km from Chamba, this evening.

The ill-fated bus was on its way from Bharmaur to Chamba and the accident took place just one hour after the bus left Bharmour at 4.30 pm, Mr Sanjay Kundu, DSP, said.

The Deputy Commissioner, Mr T.D. Negi, along with the SP, a medical team and HRTC officers left for the site for relief and rescue operations.

Members of the families of the deceased are making efforts to trace out the bodies of the victims. It is the second major accident in Chamba district. Earlier, a major truck accident occurred at Chakoli in Salooni tehsil of this district in which 46 persons were killed.

Meanwhile, Himachal Governor, Suraj Bhan and Chief Minister Prem Kumar Dhumal have expressed their sympathies with the bereaved families. 

Industries Minister Kishori Lal and Mr Mohan Lal, Ayurveda Minister, and Mr Tulsi Ram, MLA of Bharmour, have also expressed their condolences.