Dharamsala, September 10
At least 20 persons were killed when an HRTC bus fell into a deep gorge, about 25 km from Palampur. Sources said the 42-seater bus bound for Ashapuri — a remote area in Kangra district — from Palampur was overloaded as it was the last bus to depart. At least 15 passengers are missing.

Locals said the bus driver lost control while shifting gear on a steep slope. As a result, the bus fell into the gorge. The road to Ashapuri is metalled, sources said.

Official sources said the accident took place near Makola. The locals have started rescue work, sources said, adding the district administration teams are yet to reach the place.

“The rescue work is a tall order as the gorge is very steep and the area is pitch-dark,” said a local resident.

DC KR Bharti and SP Kangra Diljeet Thakur have left for Ashapuri. Bharti said since the area was very remote and inaccessible through mobile phone, it was difficult to ascertain the exact number of casualties. He said medical teams have been rushed to the area. He also said an Army team has also been summoned to help in the rescue work. The area where the accident has occurred is a part of the dense forest cover. (With inputs from Ravinder Sood in Palampur)