Manali (Rajeev Sharma): A man lost his life in a tragic road accident after being hit by a speeding tanker on the Chandigarh–Manali four-lane highway near Pandoh in Himachal Pradesh’s Mandi district on Friday. The mishap, which was captured on CCTV, has renewed concerns over pedestrian safety on the busy highway.
The deceased, identified as Jeevan Lal, had reportedly stepped onto the highway after finishing work at a nearby Panchayat office. As he attempted to cross the road, a tanker travelling through a curve allegedly failed to maintain control. While the front portion of the vehicle passed him, the rear section swung outward and struck him with force.
The impact proved fatal, and the victim died at the scene before he could receive medical assistance.
The CCTV footage shows the tanker continuing to skid after the collision before crashing into a bus parked along the roadside. The collision prevented the heavy vehicle from overturning, averting what could have been an even bigger accident.
Soon after the incident, police teams reached the location and shifted the body for post-mortem examination. The tanker driver has been detained, and a case has been registered. Investigators are examining CCTV footage and eyewitness statements to determine whether overspeeding, negligent driving or other factors contributed to the accident.
According to family members, Jeevan Lal worked as a labourer and was the primary earning member of his family. He is survived by his wife and three sons, who have been left devastated by the sudden loss.
The accident has also triggered criticism from local residents, who say the stretch lacks adequate pedestrian safety infrastructure despite carrying heavy traffic throughout the day. They alleged that vehicles are often parked along the roadside near commercial establishments, narrowing the carriageway and increasing the risk of accidents.
Community representatives have urged the administration to create designated pedestrian crossings, regulate roadside parking and strengthen traffic enforcement on the highway to prevent similar incidents in the future.
Police said the investigation is in progress, and appropriate legal action will be taken based on the findings.
