A tragic road accident claimed the lives of five people late Monday night in the Chamba district of Himachal Pradesh. The incident occurred on the Bharmour-Pathankot National Highway near Lahad when a small passenger vehicle swerved off the mountain road and plunged into a deep gorge. Emergency responders, law enforcement officials, and nearby villagers quickly rushed to the site after learning of the crash.
Vehicle Plunges into Gorge Near Lahad
The fatal crash took place around midnight as an Alto K-10 car, bearing registration number HP 48A-8534, was traveling along the national highway segment near Lahad. For reasons yet to be officially determined, the driver lost control of the vehicle, causing it to slide off the edge and tumble down into the steep ravine. All five occupants inside the automobile succumbed to their injuries on the spot due to the impact of the fall.
Rescue Operations Impeded by Rugged Terrain and Darkness
The remote geography of the location and the darkness of night severely complicated rescue efforts. Navigating the steep and unstable slopes made reaching the wrecked car extremely dangerous for emergency personnel. Despite these hurdles, police teams alongside local residents conducted a joint search and rescue drive, using flashlights and ropes to reach the bottom of the gorge.
Police Investigation and Official Advisory
Confirming the deadly accident, Chamba Superintendent of Police Vijay Saklani stated that police and rescue personnel were dispatched to the scene immediately upon receiving the report. He noted that authorities are currently working to identify the deceased individuals while completing all necessary legal procedures. Police have launched a formal inquiry to ascertain whether a mechanical fault or driver error triggered the crash. Additionally, police officials issued an urgent safety appeal urging motorists navigating high-altitude mountain routes to exercise extreme caution, particularly during nighttime travel and severe weather conditions.
Rising Wave of Road Accidents Across Himachal Pradesh
This accident follows a series of recent traffic mishaps on the challenging roads of Himachal Pradesh. Recently, a similar incident in Sirmaur district left three dead and one critically injured after a car plunged into a 150-foot-deep trench. Furthermore, persistent heavy rainfall, landslides, and poor weather in regions such as Kullu, Solan, and Sirmaur have heightened travel hazards across the state, prompting local authorities to keep emergency services on high alert and advise against non-essential transit.
