A 34-year-old tourist from Rajasthan was killed and three others were injured in a horrific accident late Tuesday night when a Scorpio SUV crashed into an under-construction bridge near the north portal of the Atal Tunnel in Himachal Pradesh. The vehicle was pierced by multiple iron rods protruding from the bridge structure, leaving it dangling precariously from a pillar.
A disturbing video of the crash, which has since gone viral on social media, shows the SUV impaled on the iron rods, hanging above the ground. The incident occurred as the group was traveling from Manali towards Lahaul.
Victims and Rescue Operation
The deceased has been identified as Kailash (34), a resident of Sikar, Rajasthan. The injured are Aditya from Lakhimpur, Uttar Pradesh, Rajendra from Rajasthan, and Siddharth, the driver, also from Sikar. All were rushed to a nearby hospital for treatment.
Sissu Station House Officer Mukesh Rathour confirmed that rescue teams pulled the injured from the wreckage before shifting them to a hospital. Kailash's body has been taken into custody and his family has been informed, Rathour said.
Cause of Accident
According to police, preliminary investigations indicate the Scorpio went out of control due to overspeeding soon after exiting the tunnel. The driver failed to negotiate a curve, causing the SUV to veer off the road towards the Chandra river and crash into the under-construction bridge structure.
Authorities have appealed to tourists to avoid overspeeding and unnecessary night travel in hilly areas, particularly during the monsoon season when roads are slippery and visibility is poor.
Safety Concerns in Hilly Terrain
The accident has raised fresh concerns about road safety on the scenic but treacherous mountain routes of Himachal Pradesh. The Atal Tunnel, which connects Manali to Lahaul-Spiti, sees heavy tourist traffic, especially during the summer months. Local police have reiterated the need for strict adherence to speed limits and caution while driving on winding mountain roads.
