Scuffle Between Tempo Traveller and Fortuner Drivers in Kaza Delays Ambulance, ₹64,500 in Fines Issued

Kaza, June 6
A troubling incident was reported from the Hurling area in Kaza, located in Himachal Pradesh’s Lahaul-Spiti district, on Thursday evening. Due to a roadside altercation between drivers of a Tempo Traveller and a Fortuner, an ambulance carrying a critically ill patient was stuck in traffic for nearly half an hour—posing a serious risk to the patient’s health.

The situation unfolded when a patient in critical condition was being referred from Kaza. As the ambulance reached Hurling, it encountered a roadblock caused by a heated argument between the drivers and passengers of the two vehicles over right of way. The disagreement quickly escalated into a physical altercation, bringing traffic to a complete standstill.

Police rushed to the scene after receiving the alert and brought the situation under control. Superintendent of Police, Lahaul-Spiti, Ms. Ilma Afroz confirmed the incident and said strict action has been taken under the Motor Vehicles Act against both drivers.

The Fortuner driver has been fined ₹44,000 under Sections 185, 194E, 100(2), 182(4), 190(2), and 177, while the Tempo Traveller driver has been penalized ₹20,500 under Sections 196, 111, 182A(4), and 177—bringing the total fine amount to ₹64,500.

SP Ilma Afroz strongly condemned the incident, stating that such behavior not only disrupts traffic but endangers lives by obstructing emergency services. She urged the public to act responsibly and exercise restraint on the roads to ensure that critical services are not jeopardized.