SHIMLA, India — At least seven people were killed and 11 others injured after a private bus skidded off the road near Chalunj Mor in Himachal Pradesh’s Chamba district on Saturday morning, as persistent monsoon rain and landslides continued to disrupt transport, power and water services across the state.
- Seven people were killed and 11 injured in the Chamba bus accident near Chalunj Mor.
- Six critically injured passengers were referred to the government medical college and hospital in Chamba.
- 185 roads were blocked across Himachal Pradesh as of 10 am on Saturday.
- Cumulative infrastructure losses from June 30 to August 7 have reached about Rs 834.67 crore.
Seven killed in Chamba bus accident
The accident involving a Sharma Bus occurred at around 7:15 am under Patwar Circle Bairagarh, according to officials at the State Emergency Operation Centre (SEOC).
The bus reportedly skidded off the road near Chalunj Mor. Eleven injured passengers were evacuated from the accident site and taken to nearby health facilities.
Six of those injured were later referred to Pt Jawaharlal Nehru Government Medical College and Hospital in Chamba for specialised treatment.
Multi-agency rescue operation launched
A multi-agency search and rescue operation was launched following the accident. Teams from the National Disaster Response Force, State Police, Home Guards, Fire Services and Revenue Department were involved in the response.
The accident occurred amid difficult weather conditions across the state, where heavy monsoon rain has triggered landslides and disrupted road connectivity in several districts.
185 roads blocked across Himachal
The latest SEOC situation report showed that 185 roads were blocked across Himachal Pradesh as of 10 am on Saturday. The figure had increased from 162 blocked roads reported on the previous evening.
Mandi was the worst-affected district, accounting for 92 blocked roads. Kullu followed with 48, while Chamba and Shimla each reported 14 blocked roads.
The widespread blockages have added pressure on restoration teams working to reconnect affected areas as rainfall continues.
Power and water supply also affected
Monsoon-related disruption has extended beyond roads, with electricity and water infrastructure also affected across the state.
A total of 104 distribution transformers were reported non-functional. Kullu accounted for 53 of them, followed by Mandi with 34, Kinnaur with 12 and Shimla with four.
Water supply has also been disrupted, with 77 schemes affected statewide.
Sirmaur recorded the highest number of affected water supply schemes at 55, followed by Hamirpur with nine, Bhattiyat in Chamba with seven and Shimla with six.
Himachal monsoon disaster toll rises
Official cumulative figures for the period from June 30 to August 7 show that 65 people have died in disaster-related incidents in Himachal Pradesh during the ongoing monsoon period.
Lahaul and Spiti recorded the highest number of such deaths at 14, followed by Kangra with 11.
Separately, 78 people died in traffic accidents during the same period, according to the official figures supplied in the report.
Monsoon-related disasters have also left 150 people missing and 226 injured. Authorities have reported the deaths of 197 livestock animals.
Hundreds of houses and structures damaged
The prolonged spell of adverse weather has caused damage to residential, commercial and other structures across the state.
According to official figures, 572 houses were partially damaged and two houses were completely destroyed. A further 197 huts, 143 factories or sheds and 41 cow sheds also suffered damage.
Infrastructure losses cross Rs 834 crore
The cumulative financial loss to public and private infrastructure between June 30 and August 7 has been estimated at approximately Rs 83,467.45 lakh, equivalent to around Rs 834.67 crore.
The Public Works Department has reported the largest share of infrastructure losses, with damage estimated at more than Rs 61,585 lakh.
The Jal Shakti Vibhag has reported losses exceeding Rs 19,986 lakh, reflecting the impact on the state’s water-related infrastructure.
Authorities intensify restoration work
With heavy rainfall continuing in several parts of Himachal Pradesh, authorities have intensified rescue and restoration operations.
Officials are monitoring vulnerable areas, particularly locations exposed to landslides, flash floods and recurring road blockages.
The Chamba accident has added to the challenges facing emergency agencies as they work simultaneously on rescue operations and restoration of essential connectivity and services across the state.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where did the Chamba bus accident take place?
The accident took place near Chalunj Mor in Chamba district under Patwar Circle Bairagarh in Himachal Pradesh.
How many roads are blocked in Himachal Pradesh?
According to the SEOC situation report, 185 roads were blocked across Himachal Pradesh as of 10 am on August 8, 2026. Mandi had the highest number with 92 blocked roads.
What happens next?
Rescue agencies will continue operations at the Chamba accident site, while authorities work to restore roads and essential services affected by the monsoon.
Given the continuing rainfall, officials are also maintaining close watch over landslide-prone and other vulnerable areas across Himachal Pradesh.
Sources
ANI report dated August 8, 2026, citing State Emergency Operation Centre officials and official cumulative disaster figures.
