Six People killed and Several Injured in Tragic Road Accident near Shimla

Shimla, December 4, 2023 –

In a devastating incident that occurred on Monday morning, six individuals lost their lives while six others sustained injuries when the vehicle they were traveling in plunged into a gorge near Sunni in Shimla district. The mishap took place at Kudharghat, approximately 35 kilometers away from Shimla, when the driver of the ill-fated pickup truck lost control of the vehicle, according to local authorities.

The ill-fated pickup truck was carrying a total of twelve occupants, out of which nine were laborers from Kolgam in Jammu and Kashmir who were working in Himachal Pradesh. They were on their way to Mandi from Sunni when tragedy struck. Immediate assistance was provided by the authorities, and the injured were rushed to the Indira Gandhi Medical College Hospital (IGMCH) for treatment.

Tragically, three laborers lost their lives on the spot, while the remaining three succumbed to their injuries at the hospital. The deceased have been identified as Farid (24), Gulab (43), Sahbir (19), Talib (23), Gulzar (30), and Mustak (30), as confirmed by Superintendent of Police Sanjeev Kumar Gandhi.

Among the injured, the driver of the vehicle, Ranjit, along with Aslam, Talib Hussain, Akash Kumar, Ajay Thakur, and Manjoor, are currently receiving medical treatment at IGMCH. The medical staff is working tirelessly to ensure the best possible care and recovery for the injured victims.

Expressing his deep sorrow over the tragic incident, Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has extended his condolences to the families of the deceased. He has also directed the district authorities to provide immediate relief and support to the next of kin of the deceased, while ensuring the injured receive the best medical treatment available. This directive highlights the government’s commitment to assist those affected by such unfortunate incidents.

In a separate incident, a truck caused significant damage by crushing four vehicles in the Vikasnagar area of Shimla city. Fortunately, no casualties were reported in this particular incident.

According to police data, the Shimla district has witnessed a distressing number of road accidents this year. From January 1 to November 23, 2023, a staggering 260 accidents resulted in 110 fatalities and 401 injuries. These numbers highlight the pressing need for enhanced road safety measures in the region.

Authorities have initiated an investigation into the recent accident near Sunni, and a case has been registered to gather further details about the incident. The findings of the investigation will play a crucial role in understanding the causes and circumstances leading to the tragic accident.

As the local community mourns the loss of six lives and prays for the speedy recovery of the injured, it is essential to remember the importance of road safety and responsible driving. Such incidents serve as a reminder for both authorities and individuals to work together towards creating safer roads and preventing further loss of precious lives.