Mandi, Aug 4,
A late-night road tragedy on the remote Janjehli-Chhatri route in Himachal Pradesh’s Mandi district claimed three lives and left several others injured, highlighting the persistent threat of accident-prone hill roads in the monsoon season.
The mishap occurred late Sunday night when a private vehicle veered off the narrow mountain road and plunged into a deep gorge. Initial reports suggest slippery conditions caused by ongoing rainfall may have contributed to the accident, though the exact cause is under investigation. The vehicle was reportedly carrying local residents returning from a social event.
Locals and rescue teams acted swiftly, braving difficult terrain and low visibility to reach the crash site. The injured were transported to a nearby hospital, where doctors have confirmed that their condition remains stable.
Officials from the district administration and police have launched a probe into the accident. The identities of the deceased are being confirmed, and post-mortem procedures are currently underway at the zonal hospital.
Expressing grief over the tragic loss of lives, Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu extended condolences to the bereaved families and directed the administration to provide all necessary assistance. “I pray for peace to the departed souls and speedy recovery of the injured. The government stands with the affected families in this hour of grief,” said the Chief Minister in a statement.
Noteworthy that the Janjehli-Chhatri belt, known for its scenic beauty, often faces neglect in terms of timely road safety audits and infrastructure upgrades. Locals have repeatedly demanded installation of crash barriers and road widening measures in the area.
As the state battles increasing monsoon-related disasters, Sunday night’s accident adds to a growing toll of casualties on hilly roads, raising questions about emergency preparedness and infrastructure safety in remote regions.
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