Kullu: A major road accident in Himachal Pradesh’s Kullu district on Saturday evening has left the region in shock. A tourist vehicle (traveller) carrying passengers lost control and plunged into a deep gorge near Bhraage Jaan, about 2 kilometers ahead of Ghyagi towards Sojha on National Highway-305.
According to initial reports, four tourists have been confirmed dead, while two persons are still missing. At least 15 injured passengers were successfully rescued and rushed to Banjar Hospital for treatment.
Sources said that a total of 22 tourists were on board the vehicle, which was traveling from Jalori Pass towards Jibhi. The accident reportedly occurred when the driver lost control, causing the vehicle to veer off the road and fall into the gorge. The impact of the crash created panic in the area, prompting immediate response from locals.
As soon as information about the accident was received, local administration and rescue teams rushed to the spot. With the help of local residents, a swift rescue operation was carried out, and several injured passengers were pulled out of the wreckage and transported to the hospital. A search operation is still underway to trace the missing individuals.
SDM Banjar Pankaj Sharma stated that the rescue operation was conducted on a war footing and credited local residents for their crucial support in saving lives. He added that the exact cause of the accident is under investigation and identification of the deceased is in progress.
The tragic incident has drawn condolences from senior political leaders. Former Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur expressed deep sorrow, calling the accident heartbreaking. He extended his sympathies to the bereaved families and prayed for the peace of the departed souls and speedy recovery of the injured. He also urged the administration to provide all possible assistance to the victims.
Former Union Minister Anurag Singh Thakur also expressed grief over the incident, stating that the accident on the Jibhi–Sojha route was extremely painful. He conveyed his heartfelt condolences to the victims and prayed for strength for the grieving families and quick recovery of those injured.
Authorities are continuing their investigation into the cause of the accident, while a pall of grief has descended over the area following the tragic loss of lives.