The death toll in Thursday's road mishap in Himachal Pradesh has risen to 24. Five were also injured in the mishap. The incident occurred when a private bus rolled down into a deep george at Chella, around 60 kms. away from Shimla. The bus was on its way to Shimla from Sharontha. The injured have been admitted to Indira Gandhi Hospital at Shimla. There were about 50 people on board the bus. The cause of accident is said to be due bad road condition caused by continuous rain. AIR Correspondent reports, another accident in the state has claimed 24 lives including 8 women and 4 children. Heavy rains and ongoing road widening projects have put passenger safety in jeopardy these days, particularly in the upper region of Shimla District where the apple season is also at its peak. Heavy muck and long standing traffic jams made rescue operation very difficult as the vehicles carrying the injured to Shimla remained stranded for more than an hour adding to apathy.