“Tragic Accident: 5-Year-Old Boy Killed, Family Critically Injured by Falling Boulder”

A tragic accident occurred on the Chandigarh-Manali highway in Mandi, where a boulder fell on a car, killing a five-year-old boy and critically injuring three family members. The spot is known for frequent landslides. The chief minister expressed his condolences and directed authorities to provide support to the injured. The state is also facing heavy rainfall and road blockages, causing significant monetary losses and damage to houses. accident-on-chandigarh-manali-highway-5-year-old-boy-killed-family-critically-injured-by-falling-boulder-101691823127485.html” target=”_blank” rel=”noopener”>HT Correspondent reported

A tragic incident occurred on Friday near Pandoh on the Chandigarh-Manali highway in Mandi, resulting in the death of a five-year-old boy and critical injuries to three members of his family. The unfortunate event took place when a boulder fell on their car at 6 Mile. The deceased, identified as Chinmay Agarwal, hailed from Bhojpur suburb in Sundernagar town. His father, Prashant Agarwal, mother Dhanwanti, and two-year-old sister are currently receiving treatment at Mandi zonal hospital. Superintendent of police Soumya Sambasivan confirmed the family’s admission to the hospital.

This particular area has a history of landslides and is known for frequent road closures due to such incidents. Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu expressed his grief over the boy’s untimely demise. In a tweet, he offered his condolences to the affected families and directed the authorities to provide all necessary support to the injured individuals. He also prayed for the departed soul’s peace and the speedy recovery of those injured.

The Meteorological Department has predicted continuous rainfall throughout the state until August 15. A yellow alert has been issued for heavy rains and thunderstorms on Saturday and Sunday. On Saturday morning, the state experienced light to moderate rainfall. Palampur recorded the highest amount of rainfall with 100mm, followed by Sujanpur Tira, Mandi, Bijahi, and Dharamshala, each receiving 90mm. Kangra and Jogindernagar received 80mm, while Gohar, Kasauli, Sundarnagar, and Naina Davi recorded 70mm. Additionally, Kandaghat and Guler received 40mm of rainfall.

According to data from the state emergency operation cell, a total of 395 roads were blocked for traffic across the state. Mandi had the highest number of blocked roads with 191, followed by Shimla with 43 and Solan with 41. The monetary losses caused by these natural disasters have amounted to ₹6,806.49 crore. The public works department suffered the most significant losses, totaling ₹2,200.9 crore, followed by the Jal Shakti department with ₹1,631.79 crore and the state electricity board with ₹1,505.73 crore. Furthermore, more than 918 houses have been completely damaged, while 7,708 have been partially damaged..