Tragic Accident in Kangra Claims Lives of Three Punjab Devotees
A devastating road accident in Himachal Pradesh's Kangra district resulted in three fatalities and left at least thirteen individuals injured on Friday afternoon. The incident occurred when a tractor trolley carrying a group of devotees plunged into a deep gorge near Dhaliara in the Dehra sub-division.
Details of the Fatal Crash
According to police reports, the tragedy unfolded on National Highway 503 as the vehicle was transporting thirty-five people, including children, back from the Chintpurni Temple. The group was en route to visit the Jwalamukhi temple when the driver reportedly lost control at a sharp turn near Dhaliara. Preliminary investigations suggest a suspected brake failure caused the tractor trolley to veer off the road and fall approximately ninety feet into a steep gorge.
Immediate rescue operations were launched after local authorities received information about the accident. A police team from Dehra Police Station swiftly arrived at the scene and, with assistance from local residents, began evacuating the injured. All casualties were initially transported to Civil Hospital in Dehra for emergency medical attention.
Casualties and Medical Response
The medical officer at Civil Hospital confirmed three fatalities upon examination. The deceased have been identified as Mangal Singh (50), Manpreet Singh (22), and Gursharan Singh, all residents of village Bhandal Dhona in Kapurthala district, Punjab. Police officials have notified their families about the tragic loss.
Thirteen injured passengers are currently receiving treatment, with six in critical condition referred to Dr Rajendra Prasad Government Medical College (RGMC) in Tanda for specialized care. Remarkably, nine children and several other passengers emerged completely unharmed from the wreckage, according to police statements.
Investigation and Legal Proceedings
Authorities have registered a case at Dehra Police Station under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and the Motor Vehicles Act. Police officers collected evidence from the accident site and have initiated a thorough investigation to determine the exact cause of the crash.
"We are conducting a detailed probe into all aspects of this unfortunate incident," stated a police officer involved in the investigation. "Our teams are examining vehicle condition, road safety factors, and driver responsibility to establish what led to this tragedy."
The accident highlights ongoing concerns about road safety in hilly regions, particularly during pilgrimage seasons when overloaded vehicles often transport devotees between religious sites. Local authorities have emphasized the need for stricter enforcement of transportation regulations in mountainous areas.
