MANDI (Himachal Pradesh), August 5 — Three people died and two others were injured after their car skidded off a damaged road and plunged into a gorge near Magru Gala on the Janjehli-Chhatri road in Mandi district’s Seraj area, police said Monday.
The accident occurred during the intervening night of Sunday and Monday but only came to light on Monday morning when locals spotted the wreckage and alerted authorities. Police said the car was carrying five passengers when it veered off the road and rolled down the slope, killing three occupants on the spot.
Those who lost their lives have been identified as Dev Dutt, a resident of Gagan village; Yash Pal from Dhaun; and Mangal Chand of Tarala village.
Two others, who sustained injuries, were rushed to Nerchowk Medical College for treatment. Their condition remains stable, officials said.
“Initial findings suggest that a portion of the road had caved in. The vehicle’s driver possibly failed to spot the collapse in time, leading to the plunge,” a police officer said. “We have launched an investigation into the circumstances of the accident.”
Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu extended condolences to the bereaved families and directed district authorities to provide immediate support and assistance. “The loss of lives is deeply saddening. The government will ensure all possible help is extended to the victims’ families,” he said in a statement. He also wished a swift recovery to those injured.
The bodies of the deceased have been recovered and sent for post-mortem examination, police confirmed.
