Accident – Five Family Members, Including Infant, Die After Car Falls Into Chamba Gorge
Accident –A tragic road accident in Himachal Pradesh claimed the lives of five people, including a three-month-old infant, after the car they were travelling in plunged into a deep gorge along the Bharmaur-Pathankot State Highway in Chamba district late on Monday night. Authorities have launched an investigation to determine the circumstances that led to the fatal crash.
Family Was Travelling for Child’s Medical Treatment
According to officials, the victims were members of the same family from Gehra village in Chamba district. They were reportedly on their way to Pathankot, where the infant was receiving medical treatment, when the accident occurred. The journey ended in tragedy after the vehicle veered off the mountain road and fell into a gorge estimated to be around 400 metres deep.
The deceased have been identified as three-month-old baby, 60-year-old Vachan Singh, 30-year-old Ripun Singh, Rimpi Devi, and 23-year-old Kirti. Officials confirmed that all five occupants of the vehicle lost their lives in the accident.
Preliminary Probe Points to Loss of Vehicle Control
Police officials said the precise reason behind the crash has not yet been confirmed. Initial findings indicate that the driver may have lost control of the vehicle before it went off the road and tumbled into the steep gorge.
Investigators are examining all possible factors, including road conditions, visibility, and the mechanical condition of the vehicle, to establish the exact sequence of events. Authorities have stated that further conclusions will be drawn only after the investigation is completed.
Rescue Teams Faced Difficult Conditions
Soon after receiving information about the incident, police personnel and emergency rescue teams reached the accident site. The recovery operation proved to be challenging because the vehicle had fallen into a remote mountainous area during the night, making access to the gorge extremely difficult.
Local residents joined rescue workers in the operation and helped retrieve the bodies from the deep valley. The coordinated efforts of the police, rescue teams, and villagers enabled authorities to complete the recovery despite the difficult terrain.
Bodies Sent for Postmortem Examination
Chamba Superintendent of Police Vijay Saklani said all five bodies were recovered from the accident site and transported to Dalhousie Hospital for postmortem examinations. He confirmed that an official investigation has been initiated to determine the exact cause of the accident.
Police said the findings of the inquiry will help establish whether factors such as driver error, road conditions, or any technical issue with the vehicle contributed to the fatal incident.
Authorities Renew Appeal for Safe Driving
Following the accident, officials once again appealed to motorists to remain vigilant while travelling through hilly regions. Mountain roads often feature sharp bends, steep gradients, and limited visibility, particularly during nighttime travel.
Police advised drivers to maintain controlled speeds, avoid risky manoeuvres, and ensure their vehicles are in proper working condition before undertaking long journeys through mountainous areas. They also urged travellers to remain extra cautious during adverse weather conditions, which can further increase the risk of accidents on hill roads.
The incident has deeply affected the local community, with residents mourning the loss of an entire family whose journey ended in an unfortunate tragedy. Authorities continue their investigation while extending support to the bereaved relatives.