India
oi-Swastika Sruti
What began as a family holiday in the picturesque mountains of Himachal Pradesh ended in tragedy when a parked vehicle rolled backwards and plunged into a deep gorge in Lahaul and Spiti district. The accident claimed the lives of a 26-year-old woman and her 11-month-old son, while another woman sustained injuries.
A vehicle parked near Gramphu in Himachal Pradesh’s Lahaul and Spiti district rolled into a gorge, killing tourists Tanu Kumari and her infant son Daksh Kumar; police are investigating the cause.
The incident took place near Gramphu on the Koksar-Rohtang route, a popular stretch known for its breathtaking mountain views and tourist traffic during the summer season.
Family Stopped to Enjoy Scenic Views
According to police, the family was travelling from Manali towards the Lahaul and Spiti region when they decided to stop and enjoy the surrounding landscape.
The driver and several passengers stepped out of the vehicle to admire the scenic beauty of the area. Inside the vehicle remained Tanu Kumari, her 11-month-old son Daksh Kumar and another woman.
Reports suggest that Tanu was feeding her infant at the time of the incident.
Vehicle Suddenly Rolled Backwards
Eyewitnesses said the parked vehicle unexpectedly began rolling backwards on the slope.
Before anyone could react, the vehicle lost control and plunged into a gorge near the roadside. The sudden accident left family members and bystanders shocked.
Local residents who witnessed the incident immediately rushed to help and launched a rescue operation.
Mother and Infant Succumb to Injuries
The injured occupants were rescued and rushed to a hospital in Manali for treatment.
However, doctors declared Tanu Kumari and her son Daksh Kumar dead on arrival.
Another passenger, identified as 52-year-old Savita Devi, suffered injuries and is currently undergoing treatment. Her condition has not been reported as critical.
The deceased were residents of Gurugram in Haryana and had travelled to Himachal Pradesh for a family vacation.
Police Investigating Cause of Accident
Police have registered a case and launched an investigation into the incident.
Officials are examining whether the vehicle’s handbrake was properly engaged when it was parked. Investigators are also looking into other possible factors that may have caused the vehicle to roll backwards.
Lahaul and Spiti Superintendent of Police Shivani Mehla confirmed that a detailed inquiry is underway to determine the exact cause of the accident.
Challenges of the Mountain Terrain
The accident occurred around eight kilometres uphill from Koksar towards Rohtang, an area known for steep roads and difficult terrain.
Lahaul and Spiti is the largest district in Himachal Pradesh by area, covering more than 13,800 square kilometres. Despite its size, the district has a sparse population and many remote locations have limited communication facilities.
Officials noted that accidents in the region often take time to be reported because of poor mobile connectivity and difficult access routes.
A Reminder About Mountain Travel Safety
The tragic incident serves as a reminder of the risks associated with travelling in hilly regions. Mountain roads often have steep gradients, making it essential for drivers to take extra precautions while parking vehicles.
Authorities frequently advise tourists to ensure vehicles are properly secured before stepping out, especially on sloping roads.
Meanwhile, the bodies of the deceased were handed over to their family members after post-mortem examinations. As investigations continue, relatives and friends are mourning the loss of a young mother and her infant son whose holiday ended in heartbreak.
