"Heart-wrenching": Rajnath Singh condoles loss of lives in Lahaul-Spiti landslide accident
New Delhi, July 25
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Friday expressed deep grief over the loss of lives in a tragic accident in Himachal Pradesh's Lahaul-Spiti district, where a rock fell on a vehicle.
Describing the incident as "heart-wrenching," the Minister offered his condolences to the families of those who died in the mishap.
"The news of several people losing their lives due to a rock falling on a vehicle in the Lahaul-Spiti district of Himachal Pradesh is heart-wrenching. I express my condolences to the bereaved families and pray to God that He grants them strength during this difficult time. I also wish for the swift recovery of all those injured in this accident," Rajnath Singh posted on X.
On Friday, 13 persons were killed in a road accident at Karunallah in Lahaul-Spiti district. The ill-fated vehicle was on its way from Kullu to Pangi.
Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu also expressed grief over the incident and directed the Deputy Commissioner of Lahaul-Spiti to proceed immediately to the incident 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.
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, "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.
— ANI
Reader Comments
So sad... 13 lives lost just like that. 😢 I've traveled through that region, it's beautiful but treacherous. Hope the injured recover soon. Rajnath ji's response was prompt and appropriate. The CM should ensure proper compensation reaches the families without delay.
Another tragedy in our hills. While I appreciate the quick response from ministers, we need to ask harder questions. Why aren't there adequate warning systems for landslides in these zones? The local administration knew this stretch is high-risk. Let's not just offer condolences but demand preventive measures.
May the departed souls rest in peace. 🙏 This is a wake-up call for improved road safety in Himalayan regions. So many families lost their breadwinners. The truck driver Bir Singh must be traumatized too. Governments at both levels should work on early warning systems for falling rocks.
My heart goes out to everyone affected. 🇮🇳 The response from Rajnath Singh and CM Sukhu shows they're paying attention, but preventive infrastructure is critical. I've read that the BRO (Border Roads Organisation) does amazing work in these areas; they need more resources for slope stabilization.
Such a tragic loss of life. 😔 My cousin lives in Kullu and she said this is the worst such accident in years. The plateau in Spiti is gorgeous but the gorges are dangerous. I hope the families of the deceased get proper support, not just empty words. Also, the rescue team deserves appreciation for working in tough conditions.
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