Tragic Bus Accident in Himachal's Sirmaur Kills 13; PM Announces Ex-Gratia

• A private bus carrying 40 passengers from Shimla to Kupvi via Rajgarh veered off the road and fell into a 500-foot deep gorge in Sirmaur district.
• The accident, which occurred near Haripurdhar village, has resulted in 13 fatalities and approximately 30 injuries.
• Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced an ex-gratia of ₹2 lakh for the deceased's next of kin and ₹50,000 for the injured from PMNRF.
• President Droupadi Murmu, Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, and other political leaders expressed grief and directed assistance.
• Locals suspect the driver lost control due to frost accumulation; rescue operations were aided by residents and district officials.

Why It Matters: A tragic bus accident in Himachal's Sirmaur claimed 13 lives, prompting PM Modi to announce ex-gratia.