Tragic Road Accident Leaves Twin Sisters Orphaned and Family in Crisis
A Family's Nightmare Unfolds
Munish Sood
MANDI: A holiday that was supposed to be filled with joy turned into a devastating tragedy for five-year-old twins Anika and Ambika. Their family was shattered in a horrific road accident near Rohtang Pass on June 16. Their mother tragically lost her life at the scene, while their younger brother is on life support, and their father, Amit, is fighting for his life at AIIMS-Bilaspur in critical condition.
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the long-lasting impact of road accidents. Anika and Ambika's lives were irrevocably altered in an instant, leaving them to navigate a future filled with uncertainty and sorrow.
The Tempo Traveller, part of a three-day tour to Manali, was transporting 24 tourists from different states when it collided near Khoksar in Lahaul-Spiti around 7 pm on June 16. The accident resulted in the immediate deaths of two individuals, including the girls' mother, Monika, while seven others, including their father and baby brother, sustained serious injuries.
Amit was transferred to AIIMS-Bilaspur in the early hours of June 17, where he remains on life support. Their youngest child, a boy under two years old, is also critically injured and receiving treatment in a private hospital in Manali.
The twins' silent grief has deeply affected local volunteers. One volunteer who spent over 24 hours with them remarked, “They sat quietly through the night — not a tear, not a word. It’s the kind of silence that says everything. You can see the weight of the world on their tiny shoulders.”
The Broader Impact of the Tragedy
Lives shattered beyond the scene of accident
While the immediate focus often lies on the fatalities, the Rohtang tragedy highlights the extensive and lasting damage caused by such incidents — the psychological scars and the disintegration of families. With their mother gone, their father in critical condition, and their brother fighting for survival, the twins are now left vulnerable, relying on fate, community support, and care systems.
This incident is not unique; over 150,000 people lose their lives in road accidents across India each year. However, the true cost is reflected in the lives of those who survive — children left without parents, families plunged into emotional and financial despair, and young lives whose paths are irrevocably altered.
In the wake of the accident, the local community responded with remarkable speed and compassion. Thanks to the nearby army camp and the quick action of the Manali police, rescue operations were conducted efficiently. The injured were swiftly taken to both private and government hospitals.
Local leaders and volunteers, including Manali Municipal councillor Chandra Pradhan, national youth awardee Sumit Thakur, Manali Taxi Union chairman Chander Sen, and social workers like Nupur Rai and members of the Rotaract Club, provided food, care, and emotional support. Two volunteers even accompanied the critically injured Amit to Bilaspur, ensuring he received immediate medical attention until family members could arrive.
“Everyone is doing their best to help, but the reality is, this family may never be whole again,” lamented another volunteer.