Tragic Landslide Claims 13 Lives in Himachal Pradesh's Lahaul-Spiti Region

A devastating landslide in Himachal Pradesh's Lahaul-Spiti region resulted in the tragic loss of thirteen lives, including a six-month-old infant, when a massive rockfall struck a Tata Sumo vehicle on the Udaipur–Pangi road on Friday. The incident occurred as the SUV, which was transporting 15 passengers, was making its way from Kullu to Killar. Suddenly, large boulders dislodged from a nearby hillside and crashed onto the moving vehicle near Kadu Nallah, a location known for its susceptibility to landslides. Reports from the news agency PTI indicate that the impact was so severe that it completely crushed the vehicle, leading to a catastrophic situation for those inside. Following the collision, the rear of the SUV caught fire, prompting immediate action from bystanders and Army personnel who were in the vicinity. They rushed to the scene in an attempt to extinguish the flames engulfing the mangled wreckage, as footage from the site captured the harrowing aftermath of the rockfall.

Local officials confirmed the grim details of the incident, with Bharmour MLA Janak Raj stating that out of the 15 individuals aboard, only two managed to escape by jumping out of the vehicle just moments before it was crushed by the falling debris. He has since called upon the Deputy Commissioners of both Chamba and Lahaul-Spiti to expedite the ongoing relief and rescue efforts. Kiran Badana, the Deputy Commissioner of Lahaul and Spiti, also verified that the accident resulted in the loss of thirteen lives. Preliminary reports suggest that the passengers had been stranded at Tindi due to adverse weather conditions that had closed the Udaipur–Killar road the previous day. After the road was reopened on Friday, they resumed their journey, only to encounter this tragic accident shortly thereafter. The identities of the deceased individuals are still pending official confirmation from the authorities.