Shimla, Himachal Pradesh: Thirteen people were killed and two others seriously injured in a horrific road accident on Friday in the tribal district of Lahaul-Spiti. The accident occurred on the Kadhunaala-Rahauli road in the Udaipur police station area when a huge rock suddenly broke off from the hillside and fell on a passing Tata Sumo. The impact was so severe that the vehicle was completely damaged and most of the passengers died on the spot.

Taxi Traveling from Kullu to Pangi

According to reports, the Tata Sumo (HP-01M-2210) was traveling from Kullu to the Pangi area of ​​Chamba district. The vehicle, operated as a taxi, was carrying 15 people, including the driver, Bir Singh. As the vehicle reached the Rahauli area near Kadhunaala, a large portion of the hill suddenly collapsed, and the huge rock fell directly on the vehicle. The vehicle was severely crushed in the accident.

Relief and rescue operations began immediately.

Upon receiving information about the accident, police, administration, Border Roads Organisation (BRO), and local residents rushed to the scene. A joint rescue operation was launched, and the injured were rescued and taken to the hospital for treatment. Officials stated that the identification process for the deceased is underway. The bodies will be handed over to their families after post-mortem.

The deceased were residents of the Pangi area.

Lahaul-Spiti Deputy Commissioner Kiran Bhadana stated that 13 people died in the accident, while two were rescued and hospitalized. She stated that the accident occurred near the border between Pangi in Chamba and Lahaul-Spiti. According to preliminary information, all the deceased were residents of the Pangi area of ​​Chamba district. The Tindi police post and Udaipur police station are on the scene conducting necessary operations.

The death toll in rain-related accidents has reached 88.

The monsoon, which has been active in the state since June 30, has been wreaking havoc. Prior to this accident, 75 people had died in rain-related incidents and landslides. The Lahaul-Spiti accident has raised the death toll to 88.

The Meteorological Department has issued an orange alert for heavy rainfall in several districts of Himachal Pradesh from July 27 to 29. The administration has urged people to avoid unnecessary travel during bad weather and to exercise special caution in landslide-prone areas.