Two killed, three injured after car falls into gorge in Kangra

A tragic road accident in Kangra district of Himachal Pradesh claimed the lives of two people and left three others seriously injured. The incident took place in the Shahpur area when a car lost control and plunged into a deep gorge along the Ghera–Kareri road.

According to police officials, the accident happened under the jurisdiction of the McLeodganj police station. The victims were reportedly returning from a function when the driver lost control of the vehicle, causing it to fall off the road and crash into a gorge below.

The deceased have been identified as Karan Bahadur, aged 40, and Kareena Devi, aged 18. Their sudden deaths have left their families and local community in deep shock. The three injured passengers were immediately rushed to hospital and are currently undergoing treatment.

Accident discovered hours later

One of the most concerning aspects of the incident is that it went unnoticed for several hours. The accident is believed to have occurred during the night, but it only came to light the next morning.

Local residents passing through the Ghera–Kareri road on Saturday morning noticed a badly damaged vehicle lying deep inside the gorge. Realising that an accident had taken place, they quickly informed the police.

Eyewitnesses said the vehicle was completely wrecked, indicating the severity of the crash. Due to the depth of the gorge and the remote location, it is likely that the injured passengers remained trapped without help for several hours.

As soon as the police received the information, a rescue operation was launched. Local villagers also joined the effort, helping authorities reach the spot and pull out the victims from the damaged vehicle.

The injured were first taken to a nearby hospital for immediate medical care. However, due to the seriousness of their condition, they were later referred to Dr. Rajendra Prasad Government Medical College, Tanda for advanced treatment.

Doctors have stated that the injured are under close observation, and their condition remains critical. Authorities are continuing to monitor their progress.

Investigation and safety concerns

Police officials have started an investigation to determine the exact cause of the accident. While the initial report suggests that the car went out of control, other factors such as road conditions, driver fatigue, or low visibility at night are also being examined.

Mountain roads in Himachal Pradesh are known for their sharp turns and steep slopes, which can be dangerous, especially during night travel. Accidents involving vehicles falling into gorges are not uncommon in such areas, often due to a combination of human error and challenging terrain.

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The incident has once again raised concerns about road safety in hilly regions. Experts say that better lighting, stronger road barriers, and more warning signs can help reduce such accidents. Drivers are also advised to be extra cautious, especially when travelling at night or on unfamiliar routes.

Local authorities have urged people to follow traffic rules and avoid overspeeding. They have also emphasised the importance of regular vehicle maintenance to prevent mechanical failures that could lead to accidents.

In addition, the delay in discovering the accident highlights the need for improved emergency response systems. Faster detection and reporting of accidents can save lives, especially in remote areas where help may not be immediately available.

Community members have expressed grief over the loss of lives and have called for better safety measures on the Ghera–Kareri road. Many believe that installing protective barriers along dangerous stretches could prevent vehicles from falling into deep gorges.

In conclusion, the accident in Kangra district is a tragic reminder of the risks associated with travelling on mountainous roads. The loss of two lives and the serious injuries to others have deeply affected the local community.

As the investigation continues, authorities hope to identify the exact cause of the mishap and take steps to prevent similar incidents in the future. Meanwhile, the focus remains on providing the best possible medical care to the injured and supporting the families of the victims.

The incident serves as a wake-up call for both authorities and travellers to prioritise road safety and take necessary precautions while travelling in hilly regions.