Una, Aug 25 (HS): More than 40 pilgrims were injured after a truck carrying them lost control and plunged into a deep gorge near Pir Nigah, a prominent religious site in Una district of Himachal Pradesh, on Tuesday morning, police said.

The truck was carrying around 50 pilgrims from Karnal in Haryana. They had arrived in Una two days ago to offer prayers at the Pir Nigah temple and organise a community feast.

The pilgrims were travelling from Pir Nigah towards the Mata Naina Devi shrine when the accident occurred. The truck reportedly lost control about two kilometres from the temple and fell into the gorge.

According to an injured pilgrim, the vehicle was descending a slope when a pressure pipe suddenly burst, resulting in steering failure. The exact circumstances leading to the accident are being investigated by police.

Following the incident, local residents alerted the police and health department, after which rescue and relief operations were launched. The injured were brought out of the gorge and shifted to the Regional Hospital in Una for treatment.

Medical Superintendent Dr Sanjay Mankotia said more than 40 injured pilgrims were undergoing treatment at the hospital. Three injured persons, including a child, were reported to be in critical condition and were referred to PGI Chandigarh after receiving initial treatment.

Authorities directed the hospital administration to ensure that all injured pilgrims receive necessary medical care.

Police are investigating the cause of the accident and examining the circumstances under which the truck lost control.

Union Health Minister JP Nadda, BJP Himachal Pradesh president Rajiv Bindal and former Chief Minister Jairam Thakur expressed grief over the accident and wished the injured a speedy recovery.

They also stressed the need to ensure the safety of pilgrims, particularly in view of the large number of devotees visiting religious places.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar