Fatal Accident in Rampur Sub-Division
Six persons, including a woman and her 12-year-old son, lost their lives in a road accident in the Rampur sub-division of Shimla district on Friday evening. The pick-up van they were travelling in veered off the road and rolled down into a deep gorge approximately 10 kilometres from Taklech, towards Kashapat. All six occupants died on the spot.
Milk Collection Vehicle Involved
According to local sources, the driver routinely collected milk from nearby villages and delivered it to the milk plant at Dutt Nagar. On its return journey, the ill-fated vehicle met with the accident. The deceased included a mother, Asha Kumari (40), and her son Ugal Azad (12), residents of village Kawanu in Kullu district. The other victims were identified as Abhishek Saini (23), Ashok Jain (32), Laik Ram (56), and Nitin Jain (23), all from the Rampur area.
Social Media Video Captures Final Moments
A video of the accident surfaced on social media, showing the mother asking her son to look at her maternal grandmother’s house on the other side of the valley. Seconds later, the vehicle swerved off the narrow road and plunged into the gorge. The footage has since been widely shared, highlighting the treacherous nature of the route.
Police Response and Investigation
A police team reached the accident site immediately after the incident. All bodies were taken to the Community Health Centre (CHC) Taklech for post-mortem examinations. According to police officials, the accident appears to have been caused by driver negligence. A case has been registered under relevant legal provisions, and a detailed investigation into the exact cause is underway.
Rise in Fatal Accidents in Himachal Pradesh
The state has witnessed a surge in fatal road accidents recently. In the last two months alone, three major accidents occurred in Chamba district, involving two tourist vehicles, resulting in multiple casualties. This incident underscores the urgent need for enhanced road safety measures, especially on narrow, winding mountain roads.
Victims Identified
- Abhishek Saini (23), resident of village Sharanal, Tehsil Rampur
- Ashok Jain (32), resident of Chalta, Tehsil Rampur
- Laik Ram (56), resident of Pat, Tehsil Rampur
- Nitin Jain (23), resident of Chalta, Tehsil Rampur
- Asha Kumari (40), resident of village Kawanu, district Kullu
- Ugal Azad (12), resident of village Kawanu, district Kullu
