Himachal Pradesh News
Kullu Tragedy: 4 Tourists Killed, 19 Injured After Tempo Traveller Falls Into Gorge on NH-305
A peaceful weekend trip turned into a nightmare after a horrific road accident in Himachal Pradesh’s scenic Kullu district claimed four lives and left 19 others injured late Saturday night.
A peaceful weekend trip turned into a nightmare after a horrific road accident in Himachal Pradesh’s scenic Kullu district claimed four lives and left 19 others injured late Saturday night.
The tragic incident occurred around 9:15 PM on the Banjar–Jalori Pass stretch of NH-305 near Jalora Mor, when a Tempo Traveller carrying 23 tourists veered off the road and plunged into a deep gorge. The vehicle was reportedly on its way from Jalori Pass to Jibhi, a popular tourist destination known for its serene beauty.
Victims Identified
Authorities confirmed the death of four tourists, including:
- Deepali (36) from New Delhi
- Amit Kumar (30) from Delhi
- Simran (25) from Rajasthan’s Kota district
- Aayushman from Patna, Bihar
All victims were part of a tourist group exploring the hills of Himachal Pradesh.
Injured Include Children
Nineteen passengers sustained injuries, including two young children aged just 3 and 5. The injured belong to multiple states such as Delhi, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana, Odisha, and Maharashtra—highlighting the region’s popularity among tourists across India.
Several victims are currently undergoing treatment, with critically injured patients referred to higher medical centres for advanced care.
Brake Failure Suspected
According to the driver, the accident was likely caused by a sudden brake failure while navigating a steep downhill curve. The vehicle lost control within seconds, leaving passengers with no time to react.
Massive Rescue Operation
A prompt rescue operation involving local प्रशासन, police, health teams, fire services, and local residents helped save several lives. The operation lasted over four hours and concluded around 1:25 AM.
Officials stated that the injured were first taken to Banjar Hospital before being shifted to the Regional Hospital in Kullu.
Negligence Allegations Surface
The incident has triggered serious concerns over road safety on NH-305. Eyewitnesses and locals alleged that the crash site had damaged safety barricades even before the accident occurred.
Tourism bodies and residents have blamed authorities for negligence, stating that the route is accident-prone due to steep gradients and frequent brake failures.
Demand for Inquiry and Action
Following the tragedy, locals have demanded:
- A high-level investigation
- Strict action against responsible authorities
- Immediate installation of strong safety barriers
Relief and Compensation Announced
Kullu Deputy Commissioner Anurag Chander Sharma confirmed that immediate financial relief has been provided. Six injured victims received ₹5,000 each, while the family of one deceased has been given ₹25,000 as initial assistance. Further compensation will be processed after official procedures.
