At least 13 people were killed and two others injured after large boulders fell on a moving sport utility vehicle (SUV) in the Lahaul-Spiti district of Himachal Pradesh on Thursday, July 24, 2026. The incident occurred near Kadu nallah, a rivulet, when the vehicle was en route from Kullu to Killar.
Details of the Incident
According to the Press Trust of India (PTI), the SUV was carrying 15 people – all from the same family or local group – when the boulders suddenly crashed onto the vehicle, completely crushing it. The impact also caused the rear section of the SUV to catch fire. The accident took place on a stretch of road known for frequent landslides, especially during the monsoon season.
Local authorities confirmed that the vehicle was traveling from the tourist town of Kullu to the remote village of Killar in the Lahaul and Spiti district. The area has been experiencing heavy rainfall over the past week, making slopes unstable and increasing the risk of rockfalls.
Rescue and Response
Emergency services arrived at the scene shortly after the incident. Rescue workers faced challenging conditions due to the remote location and ongoing rain. The injured were rushed to a nearby hospital, while the bodies of the deceased were recovered from the wreckage. Officials said that the fire was extinguished before it could spread further.
District authorities have launched an investigation into the incident. A senior police officer, speaking on condition of anonymity, said that the driver might have lost control after being hit by the first boulder. However, the exact sequence of events is still being determined.
Impact on Travel and Safety
The accident has raised concerns about road safety in the Himalayan state, where many roads are narrow and prone to landslides. The stretch near Kadu nallah has been identified as a high-risk zone, and local residents have demanded better protection measures such as netting or tunnel covers. In response, the state government announced an immediate review of safety protocols for vehicles traveling through landslide-prone areas.
Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister expressed condolences to the families of the victims and announced ex-gratia compensation of Rs 5 lakh each for the deceased and Rs 1 lakh for the injured. He also directed the Public Works Department to inspect the site and suggest preventive measures.
The incident is one of the deadliest road accidents in Lahaul-Spiti in recent years. The remote district attracts tourists for its scenic beauty, but the treacherous roads often pose dangers, especially during the monsoon from July to September.
