Rajasthan: A tourist from Rajasthan lost his life while three others sustained injuries after their SUV crashed into an under-construction bridge near the north portal of the Atal Tunnel in Himachal Pradesh’s Lahaul-Spiti district late Wednesday night. The impact left the vehicle impaled by iron reinforcement rods, creating a dramatic scene that has drawn widespread attention after videos of the accident surfaced online.
Police identified the deceased as 34-year-old Kailash, a resident of Sikar district in Rajasthan. The injured include Aditya from Uttar Pradesh’s Lakhimpur district, along with Rajendra and Siddharth, both residents of Sikar. Siddharth was reportedly behind the wheel at the time of the accident.
According to the initial investigation, the group was travelling from Manali towards Lahaul when the SUV met with the accident shortly after exiting the Atal Tunnel. Investigators suspect that excessive speed may have caused the driver to lose control while negotiating a bend on the mountain road.
The vehicle is believed to have swerved off the carriageway towards the Chandra River before crashing into the framework of a bridge that is currently under construction. Iron rods protruding from the structure pierced the SUV, leaving it suspended in a severely damaged condition.
Emergency responders and local police rushed to the spot after receiving information about the accident. Rescue teams worked to extricate the occupants from the mangled vehicle before shifting the injured to a nearby hospital for medical treatment.
Station House Officer Mukesh Rathour of Sissu Police Station said Kailash succumbed to his injuries at the scene. His body has been taken into custody for legal formalities, and his family has been informed of the incident.
The condition of the injured passengers has not been officially disclosed, though authorities confirmed they are receiving treatment.
The incident has once again highlighted the dangers of driving on mountainous roads, particularly during the monsoon season when visibility can be poor and road conditions become more hazardous. Police officials said the exact sequence of events is being examined, and further investigation is underway to determine the circumstances that led to the crash.
Following the accident, authorities urged tourists and motorists travelling through Himachal Pradesh’s high-altitude routes to exercise caution, maintain safe speeds and avoid unnecessary travel during late-night hours. Officials also advised drivers to remain vigilant while navigating sharp curves and stretches near construction sites, where additional hazards may be present.
