HRTC bus crashes into divider in Kullu; Major mishap averted
Shashi Bhushan Purohit
Kullu (Himachal Pradesh), June 5, 2026: A major accident was narrowly averted on the Chandigarh-Manali four-lane highway on Friday morning when a Himachal Road Transport Corporation (HRTC) bus collided with a divider near Hathithan Chowk in Bhuntar, Kullu district.
According to preliminary information, the bus was travelling from Jammu to Manali and was being taken to a workshop for routine inspection. All passengers had reportedly been shifted to another bus before the vehicle proceeded for maintenance, leaving only the driver and conductor onboard at the time of the accident.
Officials said the driver attempted to avoid an oncoming vehicle near Hathithan Chowk, causing the bus to veer off course and crash into the road divider.
The impact caused significant damage to the bus. However, both the driver and conductor escaped unhurt, preventing what could have been a serious accident.
The incident drew a crowd of onlookers to the spot, while local authorities and police reached the scene soon after being informed. Police have launched an investigation to ascertain the exact circumstances that led to the crash.
The absence of passengers on the bus at the time of the accident is being viewed as a key factor in averting a potentially major tragedy.