Haripurdhar (Sirmaur), January 10, 2026 – The festive spirit of ‘Maghi’ has been replaced by a wave of mourning in the Giripar region of Sirmaur district following a devastating road accident on Friday. A private bus, packed with passengers returning home from Shimla, Solan, and surrounding areas to celebrate the state’s traditional Maghi festival, skidded off the road and plunged into a deep gorge between Nohradhar and Haripurdhar.
The Scale of Tragedy The accident has claimed 14 lives so far. Local residents were the first to respond, battling difficult terrain to pull survivors and bodies from the wreckage. The injured have been rushed to hospitals in Nohradhar, Sangrah, and Dadahu. Medical authorities confirmed that two victims succumbed to their injuries while being transported to the Medical College in Nahan.
Administrative Response Deputy Commissioner of Sirmaur, Priyanka Verma, termed the incident “extremely painful” and confirmed that a magisterial inquiry has been ordered. “Our teams reached the spot immediately, and the administration is providing all possible assistance to the bereaved families and survivors,” she stated.
Political Reaction and Outcry The tragedy has also sparked a political debate over the state of healthcare in rural Himachal.
- Jai Ram Thakur: Leader of Opposition and former CM Jai Ram Thakur expressed deep grief but lashed out at the government over the “pathetic condition” of health centers in Haripurdhar and Sangrah, alleging that the lack of life-saving facilities led to higher casualties.
- Vinay Kumar: Himachal Congress President Vinay Kumar cancelled his two-day Kangra tour and immediately rushed to the accident site to oversee relief operations.
- Top Leadership Grieves: BJP National President JP Nadda, Anurag Thakur, and Assembly Speaker Kuldeep Singh Pathania have sent their heartfelt condolences to the families who lost their loved ones just hours before the festivities were to begin.