Chamba, May 11
In a tragic road accident amid heavy rain and stormy weather, six people lost their lives and four others sustained critical injuries after a car skidded off the road and fell into a deep gorge in Chamba district’s Kakir area during the early hours of Wednesday.
According to police, the accident took place between 3 am and 4 am when vehicle number HP01M-2961 was travelling from Dalhousie towards Manali. Due to poor visibility and adverse weather conditions, the driver reportedly lost control of the vehicle, which plunged into the gorge.
Police teams rushed to the spot immediately after receiving information about the mishap. With the help of local residents, rescue operations were launched despite continuous rainfall and darkness. Superintendent of Police, Chamba, also reached the accident site and supervised the rescue efforts.
Officials said 10 people were travelling in the vehicle at the time of the accident. Six occupants died on the spot, while four others suffered serious injuries. The injured were given first aid before being referred to Dr Rajendra Prasad Government Medical College, Tanda, for advanced treatment.
The deceased have been identified as Lalit Bhai Phatnani, Mamta Ben wife of Lalit Bhai, Kajal wife of Priyank Kanhaiya, Diyansh son of Priyank Kanhaiya, Priyank Kanhaiya Lal, and Jaswant, son of Hari Singh, a resident of Kohra village in Jogindernagar subdivision of Mandi district.
Police have registered a case and initiated an investigation into the incident. Preliminary findings suggest that heavy rainfall and strong winds may have led to the accident.
The incident has triggered grief and shock in the region.
