13 Killed in Himachal Landslide

Thirteen people, including a six-month-old infant, lost their lives when massive boulders rolled down a hillside and crushed a moving SUV on the Udaipur-Pangi road in Himachal Pradesh's Lahaul and Spiti district on Friday.

The vehicle, carrying 15 people from Kullu to Killar, was hit by the falling rocks near Kadu nallah. The impact completely flattened the SUV, and its rear section caught fire.

Bystanders and Army personnel tried to douse the flames, while videos from the scene showed the mangled vehicle engulfed in fire. Police said a team was rushed to the site after receiving information about the accident.

Relief and rescue operations are underway, and the administration is closely monitoring the situation. Deputy Commissioner of Lahaul and Spiti Kiran Badana confirmed that 13 people died in the accident.

Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu directed the Deputy Commissioner of Lahaul-Spiti to immediately visit the accident site and oversee rescue and relief operations.

Bharmour MLA Janak Raj urged the deputy commissioners of Chamba and Lahaul-Spiti to speed up rescue and relief work. Police and rescue teams have already reached the location.

According to preliminary information, the passengers had been stranded at Tindi after the Udaipur-Killar road was closed the previous day. They resumed their journey to Pangi on Friday after the road reopened.

Their identities have not yet been officially confirmed. In a separate incident, a woman was killed and seven others were injured in a landslide in the Gumma area of Jogindernagar in Mandi district.

The victims were travelling from Kullu to the Simsa Mata Temple when their vehicle was caught in the landslide. Landslide incidents have increased across Himachal Pradesh following continuous rainfall in recent days.

Chief Minister Sukhu expressed grief over the deaths and directed that all possible assistance be extended to the next of kin of the deceased. He also instructed authorities to provide the best treatment to the injured and wished them a speedy recovery.

The incident highlights the risks of landslides in the region, particularly during the monsoon season. The state government has been working to improve road safety and provide relief to those affected by natural disasters.

The accident has caused widespread shock and sadness in the region, with many expressing condolences to the families of the victims.

As the rescue and relief operations continue, the state government is working to ensure that those affected receive the necessary support and assistance.

In the meantime, the authorities are warning people to be cautious while traveling in the region, particularly during the monsoon season when the risk of landslides is higher.

The incident is a reminder of the importance of being prepared for natural disasters and taking necessary precautions to ensure safety.

The state government is working to improve its disaster response and relief efforts, and the incident will likely lead to a review of the current measures in place to prevent such tragedies from occurring in the future.