Chamba, Himachal Pradesh: A devastating road accident in the remote Tisa region of Chamba district has resulted in the loss of six lives after a car veered off the road and plunged into a gorge estimated to be nearly 500 meters deep.
The mishap occurred late in the evening near Chanwas village, where a Swift car carrying six passengers reportedly lost control and fell into the ravine. All occupants, including two children, died at the scene.
Local authorities confirmed that the victims included Rajesh Kumar, a government school teacher from Chanwas, his wife, and their two children, aged 17 and 15. Kumar was returning from Banikhet after picking up his children, who were studying there. Accompanying them was his brother-in-law, Hemraj, commonly known in the village as ‘Fauji’, and another resident who had requested a ride back to the village.
Initial investigations suggest the accident occurred just about a kilometer before reaching their destination. The cause of the vehicle losing control remains under investigation, although the steep and narrow mountain roads are often considered treacherous, especially after dark.
Upon receiving information about the accident, police and emergency responders rushed to the site. The rescue operation continued through the night, and all six bodies were recovered from the gorge and later sent for post-mortem.
Police have registered a case and are examining the possible reasons behind the crash, including mechanical failure or poor visibility.
The entire Chanwas village has been left in mourning, as the tragedy wiped out an entire family and shook the small hill community. Locals have expressed shock over the incident and are urging authorities to install safety barriers and warning signs in the accident-prone stretch of road.