Two young men lost their lives in a tragic road accident in Himachal Pradesh’s Chamba district after the car they were travelling in plunged into a deep gorge along the Banikhet–Chamba National Highway, officials said.
The accident occurred on Monday when the vehicle reportedly veered off the road and fell nearly 700 feet into a gorge. The impact left the car extensively damaged and triggered an immediate rescue operation involving local residents, passersby, police personnel, and emergency response teams. Authorities said the identities and ages of the victims would be officially released after the completion of legal formalities and notification of family members.
According to police officials, the accident was reported by local residents who noticed the vehicle in the gorge and alerted emergency services. Rescue teams faced significant challenges due to the steep terrain, difficult access, and depth of the gorge. After a lengthy operation, rescuers reached the wreckage and recovered the victims. Preliminary reports indicate that both occupants sustained fatal injuries. Officials are determining whether they died at the scene or succumbed to injuries before medical assistance could be provided.
A senior Himachal Pradesh Police official said an investigation has been initiated to establish the exact cause of the accident. Authorities are examining several possibilities, including speeding, driver error, sharp mountain bends, road conditions, mechanical failure, and visibility issues. A case has been registered, and post-mortem examinations will be conducted as part of the standard legal procedure.
District administration officials expressed condolences to the bereaved families and urged motorists to exercise caution while travelling on hill roads. Road safety experts noted that mountainous highways such as the Banikhet–Chamba route require extra vigilance due to steep gradients and challenging driving conditions.
The tragedy has saddened local residents and renewed concerns about road safety in the region. Community members have called for stronger safety measures, improved roadside barriers, and greater awareness among drivers to help prevent similar accidents in the future. Authorities said further details would be released as the investigation progresses.
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