Chamba, June 18
Seven people, including three brothers, were killed after a Bolero vehicle carrying passengers returning from a family ceremony plunged into a deep gorge near Chhatrund on the Chamba-Masroond road in Himachal Pradesh’s Chamba district late Wednesday night.
According to officials, the vehicle lost control near Chhatrund in the Pukhri area and fell into a deep ravine. Rescue teams, police personnel and local residents rushed to the spot and launched an overnight rescue operation. All seven occupants were found dead.
Reports said the victims were returning to their village after attending a mundan (tonsure) ceremony when the accident occurred. The tragedy has cast a pall of gloom over the region, particularly as three of the deceased were real brothers from the same family.
Police have registered a case and initiated an investigation to ascertain the exact cause of the accident. Preliminary reports suggest the vehicle may have skidded off the narrow mountain road before plunging into the gorge.
Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu expressed grief over the loss of lives and conveyed condolences to the bereaved families. Authorities have assured all possible assistance to the affected families.
