13 killed after landslide rocks hits car in Lahaul-Spiti, CM expresses grief
Chamba, July 24
At least 13 people were killed after rocks from a landslide struck a four-wheeler vehicle near Kahudu Nala in Himachal Pradesh's Lahaul and Spiti district on Friday, police said.
According to police, the incident took place in the Udaipur area and the rocks came down in an area near Kahudu Nala. The vehicle, driven by Bir Singh, was damaged in the incident.
Speaking with ANI over the phone, Lahaul-Spiti Superintendent of Police (SP) Shivani Mehla said the local administration has initiated rescue and relief operations.
"A road accident occurred near Kahudu Nala due to a rockfall. A Tata Sumo vehicle was hit by the falling rocks. Thirteen people have been killed in the incident. Police and the local administration have initiated rescue and relief operations, and the injured are being shifted for medical treatment. Further details are awaited," Mehla said.
She said the injured have been shifted for medical treatment.
Chamba Superintendent of Police (SP) Vijay Kumar Saklani said victims were travelling in a four-wheeler and the vehicle was coming from the Udaipur side when a portion of the hillside collapsed onto their vehicle.
"We have received information from Purthi, Pangi, that residents of Pangi who were travelling towards Lahaul-Spiti met with an accident near Tindi. A landslide (part of a mountain) fell on their vehicle. Our team from Purthi has reached the spot, and the team from Lahaul-Spiti has also arrived there. However, due to the lack of network connectivity, we are unable to establish contact at the moment. They are being provided with medical aid at the nearest facility," Saklani told ANI.
Police said that an investigation into the incident is underway.
Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu expressed grief over the death of 13 persons in the road incident. The ill-fated vehicle was on its way from Kullu to Pangi.
The Chief Minister directed the Deputy Commissioner of Lahaul-Spiti to proceed immediately to the accident site and supervise the rescue and relief operations.
He also asked the Deputy Commissioner to provide all possible assistance to the next of kin of the deceased and the best of treatment to the injured. He wished speedy recovery to the injured.
"Hearing the news of the tragic incident in the border area of Kadoo Nala in the districts of PangI and Lahaul-Spiti, where a rock fell on a Tata Sumo vehicle resulting in the immediate death of 13 people and injuries to two others, my heart is deeply anguished. The grief of losing one's dear ones cannot be expressed in words. In this hour of hardship, my deepest condolences are with the bereaved families," he said in a post on X.
"I have spoken with the Deputy Commissioner of Lahaul and Spiti and issued directives for the proper treatment of both the injured. The Deputy Commissioner is reaching the site of the incident. I pray to God for the swift and complete recovery of the injured," the post read.
Sukhu prayed to the Almighty to grant peace to the departed souls and strength to the bereaved family members to bear this irreparable loss.
Leader of Opposition in Himachal Pradesh Assembly Jairam Thakur also expressed grief over the deaths in the accident.
"The heart is deeply anguished by the heartbreaking and extremely tragic incident in which a taxi traveling from Kullu to Pangi was crushed under debris due to a hillside collapse near Kadu Nala in Lahaul. The news of the demise of people, including an innocent child, in this horrific accident is extremely painful, while reports indicate that two individuals have been injured. In this hour of grief, my deepest condolences are with the bereaved families," Thakur said in a post on X.
He prayed for the swift recovery of the injured.
— ANI
Reader Comments
This is devastating! 13 lives snuffed out in a moment. Imagine the families waiting for their loved ones to return home from Kullu to Pangi, only to receive this news. The lack of network connectivity in the area also hampers rescue operations. Hope the injured recover soon and the deceased rest in peace. 🕯️
Heartbreaking news. The mountain terrain in Lahaul-Spiti is treacherous, and incidents like these remind us how fragile life is. I appreciate the CM and local administration acting quickly, but we need to question why such a fatal accident occurred. Are the roads in these border areas properly maintained? The government must investigate and take preventive measures.
Yaar, this is so sad. 😢 13 people, including an innocent child, lost their lives. Pangi region is already remote, and connectivity issues make rescue even harder. Respect for the police and administration who reached despite the challenges. My only hope is that the families get proper compensation and support. This is a wake-up call for better disaster management in Himalayan states.
Can't stop thinking about the families who lost their breadwinners. In hilly areas, such accidents are common but that doesn't make them any less tragic. While the CM's condolences are appreciated, I hope the state government announces ex-gratia for the victims quickly. Also, why aren't there more protective barriers or rockfall nets in such landslide-prone zones? 🙏
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