KULLU, May 5 — A Volvo tourist bus overturned near the 17 Mile point on the Kullu-Manali highway Monday morning, briefly halting traffic and triggering a swift emergency response from local authorities.
The bus, carrying 17 tourists, was en route from Manali to Kullu when it lost balance and tipped on its side, according to eyewitnesses. While the passengers escaped without injuries, the driver sustained injuries and was taken to a nearby hospital for treatment.
“Fortunately, there were no serious injuries. Local teams acted promptly to ensure everyone was moved out safely,” said Kullu Superintendent of Police Karthikeyan Gokulachandran. He confirmed that a formal investigation has been launched to determine the exact cause of the accident.
Preliminary accounts from the scene suggest that the driver lost control on a sharp turn, possibly due to slippery road conditions or the steep terrain. “The bus suddenly veered and overturned. It was likely the curve or maybe the road was slick from an earlier drizzle,” said a local resident who witnessed the incident.
Emergency responders and local police reached the site within minutes, helping all occupants safely exit the vehicle. The incident caused a brief disruption in traffic along the busy tourist corridor but normal movement resumed shortly afterward.
Authorities have begun collecting technical and environmental data to assess whether the accident was caused by mechanical failure, road conditions, or human error.
The Kullu-Manali highway is known for its winding, narrow stretches, especially dangerous during rain or seasonal transitions. With summer tourist traffic on the rise, officials have urged drivers to exercise caution.
“The safety of passengers remains our top priority. We’re examining all possible factors, and action will follow based on the findings,” SP Gokulachandran said.
