Dharamshala, Sep 24,
Four pilgrims were killed and 17 others injured, six of them seriously, when a truck carrying devotees overturned after colliding with a Himachal Road Transport Corporation (HRTC) bus near Dhaliara in Kangra district on Tuesday, police said.
Superintendent of Police, Dehra, Mayank Choudhary, said that the accident occurred when the truck, which was transporting pilgrims from Bathinda in Punjab to the Chamunda Devi temple, hit the HRTC bus and lost balance on a sharp curve. The driver, who was allegedly speeding and driving negligently, attempted to flee after the collision but lost control, causing the truck to overturn.
The truck was carrying 35 pilgrims who were on their way to set up a langar at the Chamunda Devi shrine during the ongoing Ashwin Navratri. One pilgrim died on the spot, while another succumbed to injuries on the way to the Civil Hospital in Dehra.
Eight seriously injured victims were shifted to Dr. Rajendra Prasad Government Medical College (DRPGMC) at Tanda. Doctors at the hospital declared two of them dead on arrival, taking the death toll to four. The remaining six are undergoing treatment at DRPGMC, while those with minor injuries are receiving care at Civil Hospital, Dehra.
Local residents and police rushed to the spot immediately after the accident to rescue the trapped victims. Senior officials, including the SP and district administration representatives, reached the site and supervised relief and medical assistance.
The police have registered a case of rash and negligent driving against the truck driver. Authorities said further investigation is underway.
The tragic incident has cast a shadow over the Navratri festivities in the region, where thousands of devotees throng the Chamunda Devi temple during the auspicious occasion.
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