Rampur (Rajeev Sharma): A devastating road accident in Himachal Pradesh’s Shimla district claimed six lives after a pickup vehicle lost control and plunged into a gorge nearly 500 metres deep in the Rampur subdivision. The victims included the driver, a mother and her son, leaving the region in mourning.
Officials said the accident took place while the pickup vehicle was returning after completing a milk delivery. During the journey, the driver had reportedly allowed five local passengers to board the vehicle. Moments later, the vehicle is believed to have veered off the mountainous road before crashing into the deep valley below.
The force of the impact reduced the vehicle to a twisted heap of metal, making rescue operations extremely difficult. Residents from nearby villages rushed to the scene after noticing the accident and informed the police and district administration. Local volunteers joined rescue personnel in retrieving the bodies from the steep gorge.
The deceased have been identified as Nitin (23), who was driving the vehicle, Abhishek Sani (23), Layak Ram (56), Ashok Jain (32), Asha Kumari, and her son Yugal. While four victims belonged to villages in the Rampur area of Shimla district, Asha Kumari and her son were residents of Anni in Kullu district.
Police have registered a case and begun an investigation to determine the circumstances that led to the accident. Authorities are examining all possible factors, including road conditions and driver-related causes, before arriving at a conclusion.
The bodies were shifted to Taklech Hospital for post-mortem examinations before being handed over to the families.
The tragedy has sent shockwaves through the affected villages, where relatives and residents gathered to mourn the victims. Rampur Sub-Divisional Magistrate Harsh Amrendra Singh expressed condolences to the bereaved families and said immediate financial relief would be provided under government norms. Officials have assured that a detailed inquiry will be conducted into the incident.
