Hamirpur, June 6
A religious trip turned tragic on Friday night when a family travelling to the revered Jwala Ji temple met with a devastating road accident on the Hamirpur four-lane highway in Himachal Pradesh. A woman tourist lost her life, while 10 others, including three children, sustained injuries in the collision.
The accident occurred near Sukrala village, close to Bhumpal under the Nadaun police station area, when two cars collided head-on around 9 pm.
According to police, the family from Delhi had been staying with relatives in Hiranagar, Hamirpur, and was on a pilgrimage. After offering prayers at Deotsidh, they were heading towards Jwala Ji temple when their Ertiga vehicle was struck by an Innova coming from the opposite direction.
Preliminary investigations suggest that the Innova, travelling from Nadaun towards Hamirpur, reportedly went out of control and crossed into the opposite lane, colliding with the oncoming Ertiga. The impact was severe, leaving both vehicles extensively damaged.
Local residents rushed to the scene and assisted in rescue operations before emergency teams arrived. A woman tourist died on the spot, while 10 people suffered injuries. All the injured were shifted to a nearby hospital, and five critically injured victims were later referred to Dr Rajendra Prasad Government Medical College, Tanda, for advanced treatment.
Police reached the spot soon after receiving information and initiated an investigation. Authorities said the vehicle entering the wrong lane appears to be the primary cause of the crash, though all aspects are being examined.
The tragic incident has once again highlighted the importance of cautious driving on highways and hilly roads. What began as a spiritual journey ended in grief for the visiting family.
