A Tata Sumo carrying 15 people in Himachal Pradesh’s Pangi Valley was struck by a massive landslide, resulting in the deaths of 13 individuals, including a six-month-old baby. The incident occurred near Karunallah on the Udaipur-Pangi road, with heavy rainfall being a contributing factor.
Two passengers managed to escape as they leaped out of the vehicle just before it was engulfed by the falling rocks. The vehicle, en route from Kullu to Pangi, caught fire after being buried under the debris from the mountain collapse. The Border Roads Organisation (BRO) promptly initiated rescue efforts following the tragedy.
Deputy Commissioner Kiran Badana confirmed that the vehicle, carrying 15 individuals including the driver, was on its way to Pangi Valley via the Udaipur-Killar road, which had been closed due to landslides the day before. Efforts to expedite rescue and relief operations were urged by Bharmour legislator Janak Raj, directing officials in Chamba and Lahaul-Spiti districts to act swiftly.
Rescue teams from Lahaul and Spiti Police, in conjunction with local administrative personnel, swiftly responded to the scene, as confirmed by Pangi Resident Commissioner Amandeep Singh. The challenging rescue operations were complicated by adverse weather conditions and falling debris, with the Killar-Udaipur road being particularly susceptible to landslides during the monsoon season.
Amid forecasts of heavy rainfall in several districts until July 26 by the India Meteorological Department (IMD), Chief Minister Sukhvinder Sukhu expressed sorrow over the tragic loss of life. The Chief Minister instructed the Deputy Commissioner of Lahaul-Spiti to oversee rescue efforts on-site and provide necessary aid to the affected families and the injured, wishing a speedy recovery to those harmed.
