A Sunday morning turned tragic in Himachal Pradesh as four lives were lost and one grievously injured when a car skidded off the narrow, winding Manali-Rohtang road and plunged into a deep gorge near Rahni Nala in the Kullu district.
The ill-fated vehicle, an Alto bearing registration number HP-01K-7850, was carrying five local residents when it reportedly lost control on a sharp curve. According to initial reports, slippery road conditions due to recent rainfall or over-speeding may have caused the vehicle to veer off the mountain road, plunging hundreds of feet into the gorge below. The car was left mangled beyond recognition, and four occupants died on the spot due to the impact.
The lone survivor sustained serious injuries and was immediately rushed to a nearby hospital by rescue personnel. His condition is said to be critical, and he remains under constant medical observation.
Emergency response teams, including police and local volunteers, launched a difficult rescue operation upon being alerted by passersby. Despite the steep and rugged terrain, all the bodies were retrieved after several hours of strenuous effort. DSP Manali KD Sharma confirmed that the identification of the victims is underway and a case has been registered.
An investigation has been launched to ascertain the exact cause of the accident.
The Manali-Rohtang highway, though stunningly scenic, is infamous for its hairpin bends, steep inclines, and accident-prone zones, especially during the monsoon season when roads become slick and visibility drops. This latest incident has once again highlighted the urgent need for stricter traffic enforcement and greater awareness among drivers navigating the region’s challenging terrain.
District administration officials also visited the spot and reiterated warnings issued earlier to motorists. Authorities have appealed to both tourists and locals to drive with utmost caution and adhere to speed limits, particularly on mountainous roads during adverse weather conditions.
Meanwhile, Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu expressed deep sorrow over the loss of lives and extended condolences to the bereaved families. He also wished a speedy recovery to the injured survivor, adding that the government would provide all necessary assistance to the affected families.