Three individuals, including the principal of a private school, sustained serious injuries when a school bus veered off course and collided with a road divider on National Highway-5 in Himachal Pradesh’s Solan district. The accident occurred late Saturday night while the bus was en route back to Panchkula from Rajgarh, carrying over 50 students, teachers, and staff.
Information was available with The Chenab Times that the incident took place near Chakki Mor. The impact of the collision was significant, causing the windows on the driver’s side to shatter and narrowly preventing the bus from overturning. In addition to the three individuals with severe injuries, several students reportedly suffered minor injuries.
The seriously injured individuals have been identified as Amita, the school principal; Narendra Singla, the chairman; and Meenu, the coordinator. They were transported to a hospital in Panchkula for medical attention via private vehicle. A complaint was lodged with the police by Shilpa Chauhan, a teacher at Litera Heritage School and a resident of Panchkula.
According to the teacher’s complaint, the driver, identified as Sahil, was operating the vehicle at a high speed and in a negligent manner. The accident occurred around 11 p.m. when the bus struck the road divider. Based on the statement provided by the teacher, the police have registered a case against the driver and initiated further investigation into the matter.
The Litera Heritage School, based in Panchkula, had organised an excursion to Rajgarh for its students and staff. The return journey on Saturday night took a critical turn when the accident occurred on the busy National Highway-5, a key route connecting various parts of Himachal Pradesh with neighbouring states. The highway is known for its winding stretches and inclines, requiring careful driving, especially at night.
Emergency services were reportedly alerted following the accident, and local authorities and medical personnel arrived at the scene to assist. The injured were promptly attended to, with the most critically wounded being transferred to Panchkula for specialized care. The presence of numerous students on the bus heightened concerns, though fortunately, their injuries were reported as minor.
Authorities are expected to conduct a thorough investigation into the accident to determine the precise cause, focusing on aspects such as vehicle maintenance, driver conduct, and road conditions at the time of the incident. The registration of a case against the driver indicates that negligence is a primary line of inquiry for the investigating police team. Such incidents on major highways often prompt reviews of safety protocols and enforcement of traffic regulations by the transport authorities.
The area where the accident occurred is a part of Solan district, which lies in the lower hills of Himachal Pradesh. National Highway-5 is a vital artery that facilitates connectivity and transportation for both commuters and commercial vehicles. Accidents on such routes, while unfortunate, often highlight the importance of road safety measures, driver training, and adherence to speed limits, particularly for vehicles carrying passengers, including schoolchildren.
The recovery of the injured principal, chairman, and coordinator is being closely monitored. The school administration is likely to provide support to the affected students and staff. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers associated with road travel and the critical role of responsible driving in preventing such mishaps. Further details are awaited as the police investigation progresses.
The Chenab Times News Desk
