Tragic Accident Claims Lives of Five Family Members in Himachal Pradesh

Fatal Incident on National Highway 154A

Shimla, July 28: A devastating accident occurred on National Highway 154A near Dalhousie in Himachal Pradesh's Chamba district, resulting in the deaths of five family members, including a minor, as reported by local authorities on Tuesday.

According to police, the vehicle veered off the road and fell into a gorge, likely due to the driver losing control amid heavy rainfall. The family was returning home after seeking medical treatment for their less than one-year-old child at PGI in Chandigarh when the tragedy struck on Monday night. The deceased included the child's grandparents and parents.

Authorities are still investigating the precise cause of the accident.

Superintendent of Police Vijay Saklani informed the media that both police and rescue teams were dispatched to the scene promptly after the incident was reported.

Rescue operations took place overnight, but heavy rain and a blockage on the National Highway near Banikhet complicated efforts to reach the victims.

With assistance from local residents and the administration, the rescue and relief operations were successfully concluded.

Initial investigations indicate that adverse weather conditions, including heavy rain, dense fog, and slippery roads, were present at the time of the accident.

The driver reportedly lost control of the vehicle due to poor visibility, leading to the car's plunge into the gorge. However, a definitive cause will be established following the completion of the police investigation.

In the meantime, the Meteorological Centre in Shimla has issued a flash flood warning for seven districts in Himachal Pradesh for the next 24 hours, as continuous monsoon rains have caused landslides and disrupted traffic.

The forecast indicates a low to moderate risk of flash floods in several watersheds and surrounding areas of Chamba, Kangra, Kullu, Mandi, Shimla, Sirmaur, and Solan districts.

Residents are advised to steer clear of vulnerable areas, riverbanks, and other water bodies as a precautionary measure.

Additionally, torrential rains overnight have caused damage to several parked vehicles in and around Chamba town, while numerous residential areas have been inundated with mud and debris, affecting homes and shops. The National Highway 154A has also been blocked due to a landslide.