A devastating storm in Himachal Pradesh’s Kullu district claimed at least six lives on Sunday evening after strong winds uprooted a massive tree near the parking area of Manikaran Gurdwara. The tree collapsed on vehicles and roadside food stalls, leaving several people trapped under the debris. Five others sustained injuries and were rushed to the local community hospital in Jari.
Eyewitnesses recounted the horrifying moments as the storm triggered a landslide, causing the tree to crash onto parked cars. A viral video from the scene showed people crying for help, with one man repeatedly saying, “Chale gaye, chale gaye” (They are gone, they are gone). Another clip captured a man carrying an injured woman with bloodstains on her clothes.
Additional District Magistrate (ADM) Ashwani Kumar confirmed the casualties, stating, “Six people have died, and five are injured after trees were uprooted near Manikaran Sahib Gurdwara. Rescue teams are on-site, and the injured have been shifted to the hospital.”
Kullu MLA Sunder Singh Thakur revealed that three of the deceased have been identified. “Two victims were locals, while four were from outside the state. The dead bodies have been moved to the district hospital, and police are managing the situation at the site,” he added.
The Meteorological Department had earlier issued a yellow warning for thunderstorms with gusty winds (40-50 kmph) in four Himachal districts, including Kullu.
Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu expressed deep sorrow over the tragedy, instructing the administration to provide immediate assistance to victims. He assured that the government stands firmly with the affected families and prayed for the departed souls, wishing a speedy recovery for the injured.
