Six killed as boulder crushes car in Chamba, vehicle plunges into gorge

In a tragic accident on Thursday night, six persons, including four members of a family, lost their lives when a boulder fell on the car they were travelling in, causing it to veer off the road and plunge into a gorge near Chanwas in Churah subdivision of Chamba district.

The police said victims were travelling to their village when a massive rock rolled down from the hillside and hit their vehicle. Local residents, upon hearing a loud crash rushed to the spot and also informed the police. A joint rescue team comprising police and home guard personnel also reached the spot. Bodies could be extricated after hours-long operation due to a sheer slope.

The deceased have been identified as Rajesh Kumar, a 40-year-old government school teacher, his wife Hanso, 36, their daughter Aarti, 17, and son Deepak 15, residents of Bulwas village, said Chamba Superintendent of Police Abhishek Yadav.

Also among the dead were Rajesh’s brother-in-law Hem Pal, 37, a resident of Salancha, and a villager Rakesh Kumar, 44, from Bulwas, who had taken lift in the ill-fated car.

Hem Pal, who served in the Indian Army, had come home on leave about 15 days ago. On Thursday evening, he was going to drop off his sister, brother-in-law and their children at home for Raksha Bandhan vacations. Tragedy struck just a kilometre before their destination.

Rajesh Kumar was posted as Junior Basic Teacher (JBT) at a village school. His children were studying in Banikhet near Dalhousie from where they were coming home for vacations.

Yadav said the police have registered a case and started further investigation. Post-mortem was conducted at the Civil Hospital, Tissa, before the bodies were handed over to the family.

Meanwhile, local MLA Hans Raj visited the spot He expressed grief over the tragic loss of lives and urged the government to provide all possible help to the bereaved families. Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu also expressed grief on the loss of lives.

“The news of the death of six persons in the car accident that took place in Chanwas of Teesa, Chamba district, is extremely tragic and painful. My heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families. I pray to the Almighty to grant peace to the departed souls and give strength and courage to the grieving families in this hour of sorrow,” the CM wrote on his social media handles.

Vidhan Sabha Speaker Kuldeep Pathania expressed deep sorrow over the fatal accident that claimed six lives. He directed the district administration to expedite relief and rescue efforts and ensure all possible assistance to the bereaved families.

Deputy Chief Minister Mukesh Agnihotri also conveyed his condolences on the tragic incident.

Mishap claims life in Mandi

In a heart-breaking incident just a day before Raksha Bandhan, a young man lost his life in a tragic road accident near Piplu Dhar Kainchi in the Kuklah area of Mandi district today.

The accident occurred around 7.30 am when Hakam Thakur, a resident of Fandar village under Kuklah panchayat, was on his way to work. Hakam was employed as a multi-task worker in the Jal Shakti Department, under the JE section in Kalhani.

According to the police, his vehicle plunged into a deep gorge when a portion of the road caved in. He died on the spot.

According to the police, the body was handed over to the family of deceased for last rites after an autopsy.

A pall of gloom descended over the Kuklah region after the accident. Hakam leaves behind his wife, parents and a three-year-old daughter. His married sister is devastated, as the tragedy struck just before the festival meant to celebrate the bond between brothers and sisters.