Lahaul-Spiti/Chamba
At least 13 people, including a six-month-old infant, were killed after a massive landslide sent huge boulders and debris crashing onto a moving Tata Sumo taxi near Kadu Nallah on the Udaipur–Killar road in Himachal Pradesh on Friday. Two occupants are reported to have survived the tragic accident.
According to Bharmour-Pangi MLA Janak Raj, the vehicle was carrying 15 passengers and was travelling from Udaipur towards Pangi when the hillside suddenly collapsed. The taxi was struck directly by heavy rocks and debris, leaving it completely mangled.
The impact of the landslide was so severe that the Tata Sumo was crushed beyond recognition. A fire also broke out in the rear portion of the vehicle after the accident. Local residents and Army personnel rushed to the spot, extinguished the flames, and joined rescue efforts despite the difficult terrain. Videos from the scene show the vehicle extensively damaged and engulfed in flames.
The accident site is located around 60–70 km from Keylong, the headquarters of Lahaul-Spiti district. Rescue operations are continuing amid challenging conditions, with the risk of further landslides and falling debris.
MLA Janak Raj confirmed that 13 people lost their lives, including a six-month-old child, while two passengers survived. He said he had spoken to the Deputy Commissioners of Chamba and Lahaul-Spiti, urging them to expedite rescue and relief operations.
Preliminary reports indicate that the passengers had been stranded overnight at Tindi after the Udaipur–Killar road was closed due to adverse weather. They resumed their journey towards Pangi after the road reopened on Friday, only to meet with the fatal accident near Kadu Nallah.
Initial information suggests that most of the deceased were residents of the Pangi Valley. However, the administration has not yet officially released the identities of the victims.
Lahaul-Spiti DSP Rashmi Sharma said police teams were immediately dispatched after receiving information about the incident. Police, civil administration, and rescue teams remain at the site, and further official details are awaited.
