Punjab resident among two killed in accident near Shimla

Two persons, including a Punjab resident, have been killed and two others sustained injuries when a JCB Backhoe Loader plunged into a deep gorge near Dhalli, around 8 km from Shimla.

The deceased have been identified as Sukhdev Rana, the JCB operator and a resident of Ropar district in Punjab, and Harinam Negi, a resident of Kinnaur district. The injured have been identified as Charanjeet Singh, also from Ropar district, and Neeraj, a resident of Bihar.

According to reports, the accident took place on Friday night near Jwala Mata Mandir when the JCB operator lost control of the vehicle, causing it to veer off the road and plunge into a gorge. All four passengers sustained injuries.

Police reached the spot upon receiving information and rescued the injured. They were rushed to Indira Gandhi Medical College (IGMC), where Harinam and Sukhdev were declared brought dead. The other two victims are currently undergoing treatment.

A case has been registered under Sections 125, 125A, and 109 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023, at the Dhalli Police Station. Police are investigating the incident.