Himachal Pradesh has been grappling with a grim monsoon season, as the state reports a tragic toll of 131 lives lost since the onset of heavy rainfall on June 24. Among the fatalities, road accidents have proven to be a major concern, with over 50 deaths reported due to unfortunate mishaps on the treacherous roads.
The latest heart-wrenching incident occurred in the remote Khabal village of Chirgaon tehsil, Rohru sub-division in Shimla district on Thursday around 8 PM. Three lives were abruptly cut short, and two individuals sustained serious injuries after their car was struck by a massive boulder, which sent their vehicle hurtling down a steep gorge near Bolt Dhank.
The victims of this harrowing accident have been identified as 32-year-old Surender Singh, the Khabal panchayat vice-pradhan, 41-year-old Satya Prakash, a former vice-pradhan, and 33-year-old driver Anil Kumar. They were on their way from Denwari to Khabal when the catastrophe unfolded.
Shimla superintendent of police, Sanjeev Gandhi, shed light on the heart-wrenching incident, stating, “The car was hit by a boulder that sent it plunging into the gorge near Bolt Dhank.” Tragically, the impact of the boulder proved fatal for three lives and left two young souls fighting for their survival.
The two injured individuals, 17-year-old Trilok Chand and 18-year-old Ankita, are currently receiving treatment at the community health centre in Sandasu. Medical professionals are working tirelessly to stabilize their conditions, hoping for a speedy recovery.
The situation in Himachal Pradesh is dire, with monsoon wreaking havoc and causing numerous casualties. Among the 131 lives lost since June 24, road accidents have accounted for a significant portion, causing grief and anguish for families across the state. As per the latest reports, Shimla recorded the highest number of road accident-related fatalities with 11 deaths, followed by nine deaths in Mandi, and seven each in Kullu and Solan.
Local authorities and law enforcement agencies are urging residents and travelers to exercise extreme caution while navigating the region’s roads during this challenging monsoon season. The unpredictable weather conditions and potential hazards on the hilly terrain demand heightened vigilance and adherence to safety guidelines to prevent further tragedies.
As the monsoon continues, it is crucial for the community to come together and support one another in these difficult times, ensuring that all necessary precautions are taken to minimize any further loss of life on the roads. The state government is also urged to bolster its efforts to improve road safety measures and infrastructure to prevent such tragic accidents in the future.
