Bilaspur, August 2: A major accident was narrowly avoided on Sunday when an Innova carrying pilgrims from Punjab rolled down the roadside near the famous Shri Naina Devi Temple in Himachal Pradesh. Around five to six devotees sustained minor injuries, while no loss of life was reported.
According to information, the pilgrims were returning to Punjab after offering prayers at Shri Naina Devi Temple. As the vehicle was passing through a damaged stretch of road near a sharp bend, the driver reportedly lost control, causing the Innova to plunge down the roadside. The vehicle suffered extensive damage in the accident.
Local residents and fellow pilgrims immediately rushed to the spot and launched a rescue operation, safely evacuating all the occupants from the damaged vehicle. The Innova was later pulled out with the help of a crane.
Residents of the area alleged that the damaged condition of the road has become a safety concern, especially during the ongoing Shravan pilgrimage when thousands of devotees visit the shrine every day. They urged the authorities to repair the road at the earliest to prevent similar incidents.
Locals described the escape as miraculous, saying the blessings of Goddess Naina Devi helped avert a major tragedy.
