3 killed, two hurt as car falls into gorge in Mandi

A tragic accident claimed three lives and left two others seriously injured after an Alto car plunged into a deep gorge near Saini Nala between Magrugala and Majhwal on the Janjheli-Chhatri road in Mandi district. The mishap occurred late Sunday evening but came to light only today morning.

According to preliminary reports, the vehicle skidded off the road due to poor road conditions caused by heavy rainfall and the collapse of a roadside retaining wall. All the passengers were returning from Shankardehra after some work related to the ongoing apple season when the accident occurred.

The deceased were identified as Devdat, Mangal Chand and Yashpal, all residents of Breogi gram panchayat. The two critically injured persons, driver Guman Singh from Kalyanju village, and Labh Singh from Gagan village, were rushed to a nearby hospital for medical attention by local residents, who reached the site upon discovering the wreckage early morning today.

Upon receiving information, the local police arrived at the accident site and launched an investigation. Authorities said that poor condition of the rain-damaged road and the collapsed retaining wall were the likely causes of the accident.

Mandi SP Sakshi Verma said investigation was underway to ascertain what led to the accident.

The incident has shocked not only Breogi gram panchayat but the entire Chatri region.

Local residents and panchayat representatives have expressed grief over the loss of lives and urged the administration to take prompt action to repair damaged roads in the area, particularly during the monsoon and apple harvesting season when traffic increases.