Kangra: A religious trip turned tragic in Himachal Pradesh’s Kangra district early this morning when a pickup vehicle carrying pilgrims from Punjab skidded off the road and fell into a deep gorge. Four people lost their lives, while 23 others, including 15 children, sustained injuries.
The mishap occurred around 7:30 AM near Jadrangal village, along the Chamunda–Dharamshala road, close to the Baili Hotel at Ikku Mor. The pilgrims, hailing from Moga district in Punjab, were on their way back after offering prayers at the Chamunda Devi temple.
Police and residents rushed to the spot, pulling the injured from the wreckage and transporting them to Dr. Rajendra Prasad Government Medical College and Hospital, Tanda.
Casualties and Critical Cases
Officials confirmed that one woman died instantly, while three others succumbed to injuries during treatment. The deceased have been identified as Longi Singh (35), Jasvir Singh (35), Paramjit Kaur (40), and Kiran (33), all residents of Baggike village in Moga’s Nihal Singh Wala tehsil.
According to Dr. Milap Sharma, Principal of Tanda Medical College, 13 patients are in critical condition, and 10 others have sustained less severe injuries. Medical teams are working around the clock to stabilize the victims.
List of Injured
The injured include men, women, and children from the same village, many belonging to extended families. Some of the critically injured are Karam Singh (35), Harpreet Singh (9), Anmol Singh (13), Jaspreet Singh (8), Arshdeep (20), Lakhvir Singh (27), Harman (23), Balwinder Kaur (21), Akashdeep (16), Lovepreet (24), Kulwant Singh (35), Aman Deep Kaur (32), and several others aged between 8 and 35 years.
The vehicle was reportedly driven by Nirbhay Singh (34) and another man identified as English (38). Both drivers sustained injuries but survived.
Rescue Operations Underway
Eyewitnesses said the pickup lost control while negotiating a bend and tumbled into the gorge. “We heard loud cries for help and immediately rushed down with ropes and makeshift stretchers,” said one local resident who participated in the rescue.
Police have launched an investigation to determine whether speeding, mechanical failure, or road conditions caused the accident.
Survivors Speak
Two women, Poonam (35) and Simran Kaur (30), escaped without major injuries. Speaking from the hospital, Poonam said, “It was over in seconds. One moment we were chanting prayers, and the next, the vehicle was rolling down.”
The administration has assured assistance to the victims’ families and said that arrangements are being made to transport the bodies back to Punjab.
