Four people lost their lives and one was seriously injured after their car plunged into a deep gorge near the Rohtang Pass in Himachal Pradesh's Kullu district on Sunday. The tragic accident occurred near Rahninala as heavy rainfall battered the region, severely impacting road conditions.
According to Deputy Superintendent of Police, Manali, KD Sharma, the vehicle carrying five passengers slipped off the rain-soaked mountain road and fell into the gorge. Rescue teams swiftly launched operations, managing to pull out the injured passenger, who is undergoing treatment. The identities of the victims are yet to be confirmed.
Continuous and heavy rains across Himachal Pradesh have led to widespread disruptions. The State Emergency Operation Centre (SEOC) reported that over 39 roads in Kullu district alone, particularly in the Banjar and Nirmand sub-divisions, remain blocked due to rain-triggered landslides and debris.
The ongoing monsoon season has already claimed over 70 lives in the state, including both rain-related and accidental deaths, according to SEOC data. Authorities have urged residents and tourists to avoid non-essential travel, especially in areas prone to landslides. A 24x7 helpline number, 1070, has been activated to coordinate relief and rescue efforts.
