A Joyous Ceremony Ended in Tragedy: What happened to the seven people in Chamba?

A late-night journey home turned tragic in Himachal Pradesh's Chamba district when a Bolero carrying seven people plunged into a deep gorge. The victims were returning from a community ceremony when disaster struck.

Post Published By: Donika Singh

Updated : 18 June 2026, 11:08 AM IST

Seven Killed in Chamba Gorge Crash. (Image Internet)

Shimla: A devastating road accident in Himachal Pradesh's Chamba district claimed seven lives after a vehicle plunged into a deep gorge during the early hours of Thursday. The accident occurred on the Masrund–Hamal road, leaving the vehicle completely destroyed and triggering a major rescue operation.

Vehicle Falls Into Gorge During Late-Night Journey

According to preliminary information, the accident took place around 2 am when a Bolero vehicle reportedly lost control on a mountainous stretch of road and fell into a deep gorge. The impact was so severe that the vehicle was reduced to twisted wreckage.

Officials said all seven occupants died at the scene. The deceased included men and women, while authorities continued efforts to complete identification formalities and inform family members.

Victims Were Returning From Community Gathering

The passengers were residents of Mahal village under Kuthed Gram Panchayat. Earlier in the evening, they had attended a Mundan ceremony feast in Kakrodha village and were travelling back home when the accident occurred.

Residents said the group was returning together after participating in the traditional social event when the vehicle met with the fatal accident.

Challenging Rescue Operation Through the Night

Soon after receiving information, police personnel, district administration officials and local residents rushed to the accident site. Reaching the vehicle proved difficult because of the steep gorge and darkness.

Villagers assisted rescue teams by climbing down the rugged terrain to recover the bodies. Emergency responders worked for several hours under challenging conditions to complete the operation.

Locals Raise Road Safety Concerns

Following the tragedy, local residents voiced concerns over the absence of crash barriers on the accident-prone route. Many believe improved road safety infrastructure could help reduce the risk of such incidents on hilly roads.

The accident has left the region in mourning, with several families losing loved ones in a single incident.

Another Fatal Accident Reported Earlier

The latest tragedy comes just a day after another deadly road accident in Chamba district, where two people lost their lives after a car reportedly went out of control and plunged into a gorge near the Banikhet–Chamba road.

Police have registered a case and initiated an investigation into the latest accident.b