13 Killed after boulders hit a vehicle on Udaipur–Pangi road in Lahaul-Spiti
Shimla, July 24: At least 13 people were killed after a passenger vehicle was struck by falling boulders triggered by a landslide on the Udaipur–Pangi road in Lahaul-Spiti district on Friday.
According to police sources, the accident occurred at Kuddo Nallah (also referred to as Karu Nallah) when the victims were attempting to cross a rain-damaged stretch of road that had remained blocked since morning due to landslides. As the passengers tried to negotiate the hazardous section, their Tata Sumo vehicle was hit by massive boulders crashing down from the hillside, leaving little chance of escape.
SP Lahaul-Spiti Shivani Mihala confirmed that the mishap took place at Kuddo Nallah. Rescue teams were immediately rushed to the spot, while local MLA Anuradha Rana also reached the accident site to oversee the rescue efforts. Authorities continued rescue and recovery operations amid difficult weather and unstable terrain.
Police said all 13 deceased belonged to the remote Pangi valley of Chamba district. The vehicle was reportedly travelling from Kullu towards Pangi when the tragedy occurred.
Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu expressed profound grief over the loss of lives. He directed the Deputy Commissioner of Lahaul-Spiti to immediately reach the site and personally supervise the rescue and relief operations. The Chief Minister also instructed the district administration to provide all possible assistance to the families of the deceased and ensure the best possible treatment for any injured persons.
In his condolence message, Mr. Sukhu prayed for peace to the departed souls and strength to the bereaved families to bear the irreparable loss. He also wished a speedy recovery to those injured in the accident.
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The tragedy comes amid continuous heavy rainfall across Himachal Pradesh, where landslides and road blockages have disrupted normal life in several districts. Authorities have appealed to commuters to avoid travelling through vulnerable stretches during adverse weather and to strictly follow traffic advisories issued by the administration.
This is the first major mishap during the monsoon season. The NHAI also issued advisory about the poor road conditions and stone rolling on many highway.
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