A major tragedy was narrowly avoided near the popular hill station of Dalhousie in Himachal Pradesh when a tourist van carrying several passengers lost control and started rolling backwards down a steep slope. The vehicle was ultimately stopped from falling into a deep gorge after it crashed into a roadside tree. Thanks to the swift action of local residents and other tourists present at the scene, all passengers were successfully rescued from the precarious location.
Social Media Video Captures the Panic
A video widely shared on social media platforms reveals the tense moments leading up to the frightening incident. The footage shows a group of women boarding the van, which was parked on an incline. Without warning, the vehicle begins to reverse rapidly, causing immediate panic and commotion among those inside.
As the van moves backward, the women lose their balance and desperately attempt to get out. Four women manage to stay on their feet, with one facing a brief scare as her scarf gets caught in the door. However, the situation turns more dangerous for others. Two women fall heavily onto the road surface. Another slips while trying to jump out and slides down the hillside. One more passenger hits her head against the door, tumbles out, and is seen sliding down just moments before the van's descent is abruptly halted by a tree.
Bystanders Become Heroes in Rescue Effort
The video also highlights the courageous response of bystanders who rushed to help without hesitation. People can be seen pulling the two women who had fallen down the slope back to the safety of the road. Miraculously, no fatalities were reported from this harrowing incident. The popular holiday destination of Dalhousie, located in the Chamba district, is known for its colonial architecture, scenic mountains, pine forests, and cool climate, attracting thousands of visitors annually.
Separate Tragic Accident Claims Lives in Lonavala
In a separate and tragic road accident last week, two tourists from Goa lost their lives in a collision at the Lonavala hill station in Maharashtra. According to police reports, the victims were part of a larger group of 14 people from Goa who had traveled to Pune district's Lonavala for a picnic.
The speeding car carrying the two victims collided head-on with a mini truck near the famous Lion's Point viewpoint in the hill station. The deceased have been identified as Yogesh Sutar, aged 21, and Mayur Vengurlekar, aged 24, both residents of Mapusa in Goa. This incident underscores the recurring dangers on winding hill roads, especially during the tourist season.
