First snow brings tragedy in Lahaul Spiti of Himachal Pradesh
Photo used for indicative purpose only. Source: Internet
Shimla, Dec 9
The season’s first snowfall turned into a nightmare on Sunday night when a tourist vehicle skidded on icy roads in Himachal Pradesh’s Lahaul Spiti, leading to a fatal accident.
A Delhi-based tourist, Bhishan Garg, lost his life, and three others suffered serious injuries after their car collided with a stationary tipper near the Snow-Gallery and Pagal Nala, ahead of the Rohtang Tunnel.
According to the police, the vehicle, DL-9CAT9501, attempted to overtake the traffic jam caused by the slippery conditions, speeding recklessly.
The driver lost control, resulting in the car crashing into the tipper. The impact wedged the car’s front beneath the heavy vehicle, deploying all its airbags but leaving it severely damaged.
Bhishan Garg, 49, a company owner from Delhi, succumbed to his injuries, while three passengers—Parvez Alam, Lekhraj, and Tarun—were rushed to Kullu Hospital after initial treatment at Rohtang.
A fifth passenger, seated in the rear, emerged unscathed.
The mishap has prompted the police to issue urgent warnings to tourists and locals. Roads covered in fresh snow have transformed into sheets of ice, creating treacherous driving conditions.
“Snow has frozen like glass on the roads, requiring extreme caution,” said Head Constable Gajendra. Tourists are advised to maintain low speeds, avoid abrupt braking, and heed weather advisories to prevent such tragedies.
Authorities also undertook a massive rescue operation last evening, safely relocating over 150 stranded tourists in Lahaul Spiti to local hotels.
With snowfall expected in the coming days, police have reiterated the dangers of venturing into high-altitude areas, urging everyone to prioritize safety over adventure.
The first snow, often celebrated, serves as a grim reminder of nature’s unpredictability and the importance of caution.
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