In the Lahaul-Spiti district of Hp at least 13 people were killed when a Tata Sumo cab got stuck under debris in a massive landslide. Initial reports indicated that the vehicle was on its way from Kullu to Pangi when the stones and debris suddenly started falling on the road, burying the cab under the debris.
The vehicle was completely buried under the debris caused by the landslide and did not offer much hope for escape. The incident was reported and rushed to by rescue teams, which began an operation to recover the victims.
According to authorities, all 13 people in the van were killed in the tragic accident. The bodies are being identified, and efforts are being made to contact their families.
The landslide also took place during poor climatic conditions in the mountainous section of the district which is characterised by the frequent occurrence of rockfalls and road closures due to heavy rainfall and topography. People have been advised to be careful while driving down slippery roads in areas where landslides are likely in Himachal Pradesh.
Local administration, police, disaster response units are still onsite to clean up material and ease traffic flow. There is temporary disruption of the road whilst rescue and clearance is ongoing.
The accident has again stressed the need to travel through hilly areas during bad weather, and the authorities have again reminded people to keep an eye on the weather and avoid unnecessary travel along the high-risk mountain roads at least until the situation improves.
The administration is still waiting on more information.