SHIMLA, Aug 8: In a heart-wrenching incident, six people lost their lives, five of them from a single family, after the car they were travelling in plunged nearly 500 meters into a deep gorge in Chamba district’s Tissa subdivision on Thursday night. The tragic accident occurred near Chanvas village when a government school teacher was returning home from Banikhet along with his wife, children, and other family members.
According to preliminary investigations by the police, a falling rock is believed to have struck the moving vehicle, causing the driver to lose control. The car, which was barely a kilometre away from their home, veered off the road and tumbled into the steep gorge. The sudden mishap turned fatal, leaving no survivors inside the vehicle.
The deceased have been identified as Rajesh, a teacher posted in Banikhet; his wife Hanso (36); their teenage children Aarti (17) and Deepak (15); Rajesh’s brother-in-law, Hemraj; and a sixth individual who had been offered a lift by the family. All six were declared dead at the scene.
Local villagers, who heard the sound of the crash and the victims’ cries, rushed to the location and quickly informed the authorities. Despite the darkness and challenging terrain, they initiated rescue efforts alongside police and emergency teams. The recovery operation stretched over six hours through the night, highlighting the difficult conditions in the mountainous region.
Police have registered a case and initiated a thorough investigation into the exact cause of the accident. While initial reports suggest a dislodged rock triggered the mishap, authorities are also examining other possible contributing factors, including road safety conditions and the structural stability of the hillside.
This tragic incident has sent shockwaves through the local community, where the family was known and respected. Rajesh’s colleagues and students have expressed deep sorrow over the sudden loss, remembering him as a dedicated teacher and humble community member.
As Himachal Pradesh continues to grapple with monsoon-induced landslides, falling rocks, and deteriorating road conditions, the accident underscores the urgent need for enhanced road safety measures and timely maintenance of vulnerable mountain routes. Authorities are being urged to conduct thorough inspections and implement preventive measures in high-risk zones to avert similar tragedies in the future.
Funeral arrangements are underway, and the district administration has extended its condolences to the bereaved family. Further updates are awaited as the investigation progresses.