5 dead, 2 injured after vehicle falls into gorge in Shimla’s Kotkhai

Five persons, including three from Nepal, were killed after a pick-up vehicle they were travelling in plunged into a deep gorge in Kotkhai tehsil, Shimla on Monday.

The deceased have been identified as Joginder Singh, a resident of Khola village in Kotkhai, Shimla; Rakesh Visht, Laxmi, Ekender Shahi, Rajesh Visht and Dil Bahadur — all natives of Nepal. Two others — Sajan and Nev Bahadur — sustained injuries in the accident.

According to reports, the accident occurred today at Dholo Kainchi near Ramnagar village, after Joginder, who was driving the vehicle, lost control and it plunged into a deep gorge, killing three persons on the spot.

A police team from Kotkhai reached the spot and initiated the rescue operation. Police, along with locals, rescued the injured and recovered the bodies. The injured were rushed to Community Health Centre (CHC), Kotkhai, where Laxmi succumbed to injuries. Dil Bahadur, who was referred to Indira Gandhi Medical College (IGMC) for further treatment also succumbed to injuries. The two other injured were sent home after treatment in Kotkhai.

Theog Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Siddharth Sharma confirmed the report and said that police officials are conducting the investigation.

Chief Minister Sukhviner Singh Sukhu, Deputy CM Mukesh Agnihotri and Education Minister Rohit Thakur, who is also the MLA from Jubbal-Nawar-Kotkhai Legislative Assembly Constituency, have expressed grief over the incident. The CM said that the state government stands firmly with the bereaved families and added that all possible assistance would be provided to them. He also wished speedy recovery to the injured.