Shimla, August 8(HS): A car plunged into a gorge last night on the Bhanjaradu Shahwa-Bhadakwas road in Chamba district, resulting in the deaths of six people, including four family members. The vehicle, returning from Chamba district headquarters, lost control near Padhari and fell into the gorge, leaving the car completely wrecked and all occupants unable to be rescued.

The victims included Rajesh Kumar (40), his wife Hanso (36), their children Aarti (17) and Deepak (15), along with Rakesh Kumar (44) and Hem Pal (37). Rajesh's family hailed from Bulwas, while Hem Pal was from Salancha. Local authorities and police initiated a rescue operation, retrieving the bodies for post-mortem examinations.

An officer noted that a case has been filed and an investigation is underway, with preliminary findings indicating that the driver's loss of control was likely due to darkness. The tragedy has elicited widespread mourning in the area, with Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu expressing condolences. This incident is part of a troubling trend, as 100 people have died in road accidents during the monsoon season in Himachal Pradesh, with Mandi district reporting the most casualties.

Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar