Tree-mendous trouble: Falling tree causes havoc on NH-503

Torrential rains continued to wreak havoc across Himachal Pradesh, with Dehra in Kangra district also bearing the brunt of nature’s fury. On Wednesay, a massive roadside tree came crashing down on the Ranital-Mubarakpur stretch of National Highway 503, near the Dehra Beas bridge, causing a severe traffic jam on both sides of the highway.

The incident occurred suddenly, narrowly missing a Scorpio SUV carrying tourists from Punjab. While the passengers escaped unhurt, the vehicle’s rear windshield was damaged. The sudden fall of the tree triggered a pile-up of vehicles, leading to a traffic jam stretching for several kilometres.

Upon receiving the alert, Dehra police and the local administration rushed to the spot. Residents too pitched in, helping authorities cut through the thick branches to clear the obstruction. The administration mobilised two JCBs and other heavy machinery to speed up the relief efforts.

After nearly two hours of sustained work, the fallen tree was finally removed and traffic movement was restored. To manage congestion on the Beas bridge, police stopped incoming vehicles as far back as Hanuman Chowk. Many Chandigarh-bound vehicles were diverted through Jawalaji to ease pressure on the route.

As a preventive step, authorities also trimmed other vulnerable trees along the stretch to avert further mishaps. Thanks to the coordinated response of locals and officials, normalcy was restored by the evening. The incident once again highlights the fragile state of infrastructure during the monsoon season and the urgent need for proactive safety measures in Himachal’s rain-prone regions.