Tragic Accident on Kullu-Manali Highway Claims Shepherd's Life and Goats

Fatal Incident on Kullu-Manali National Highway
A tragic road accident occurred on the Kullu-Manali National Highway close to Patlikuhal in Himachal Pradesh, resulting in the death of a 37-year-old shepherd and significant loss among his livestock.
As per police reports, Mahinder Singh, the son of Mangal Singh and a resident of Kaldi village in Mandi district, was walking alongside the road with his goats when a speeding vehicle struck him and his animals. He died instantly, and the incident also resulted in the death of approximately 10 goats, with two others sustaining injuries.
Mahinder was traveling with fellow shepherds Narottam Ram, Jagat Ram, and Hirdu Ram, having set out for Kanyal after spending the night in Patlikuhal. They began their journey around 2 am and reached the Vran area near Bindu Dhank at about 4:30 am when the accident occurred.
The vehicle, registered as HP 01B-5001, was reportedly speeding from the Kullu direction when it lost control, first hitting the goats before colliding with Mahinder, who was ahead on the road. Local residents quickly notified the authorities, and a police team arrived to take charge of the situation, including the body for post-mortem examination.
The driver has been identified as Lalit Kumar from Galu village, under the Baloh post office in Mandi. A case has been filed, and an investigation is currently in progress.