The bus, operated by Sharma Travelers, had departed from Bairagarh for Chamba at around 6.30 a.m. It had travelled only about three kilometres when the accident occurred near the Chaluj turn.

According to preliminary information, the driver lost control of the bus while negotiating a turn. The vehicle skidded off the road and plunged down the hillside.

Police said approximately 20 to 25 passengers were travelling in the bus when the accident took place. Most of the victims were locals travelling towards Chamba town.

Seven people died in the accident, including the driver and conductor. Eleven injured passengers were rescued and admitted to a hospital in Tissa town.

People from the surrounding area rushed to the accident site and began rescue efforts before police and administrative teams arrived. Rescue operations intensified after the authorities reached the spot.