Una, August 25: At least 40 pilgrims from Haryana were injured after a truck carrying devotees fell into a deep gorge near the Pir Nigaha shrine in Himachal Pradesh’s Una district on Tuesday morning, officials said. The accident occurred when the vehicle reportedly lost control while negotiating a sharp bend on a downhill stretch.
The pilgrims, reportedly from the Indri area of Karnal district in Haryana, had travelled to Pir Nigaha to offer prayers and participate in a community feast. They were on their way towards the Mata Naina Devi temple in Bilaspur when the accident took place, around two kilometres from the shrine.
According to officials, the truck was carrying around 50 devotees when it overturned and slipped off the road into the gorge. The sudden crash triggered panic at the spot, with local residents rushing to help the injured and alerting the police and health authorities.
Rescue teams, police personnel and local residents launched an immediate operation to pull the pilgrims out of the gorge. The injured were subsequently shifted by ambulance to the Regional Hospital in Una for treatment.
Dr Sanjay Mankotia, Medical Superintendent of the Regional Hospital, said more than 40 injured pilgrims were brought to the hospital. Several suffered multiple injuries, including fractures. Three seriously injured people, including a child whose condition was reported to be critical, were referred to PGIMER in Chandigarh for specialised treatment.
Earlier reports from the hospital had put the number of injured patients at around 30, but later official updates indicated that more than 40 pilgrims were injured and received medical attention.
The Una district administration arranged medical facilities for the injured and directed hospital authorities to ensure prompt treatment. Officials are also working to verify the identities and medical condition of all those involved in the accident.
Police have begun an investigation into the circumstances leading to the crash. The exact reason why the driver lost control of the vehicle has not yet been established.
The accident once again highlights the risks faced by pilgrims travelling on steep and winding hill roads, particularly in heavily loaded vehicles. Authorities are expected to examine the vehicle, road conditions and other factors as part of the investigation.
No fatalities had been officially reported in the latest updates available on Tuesday afternoon.
Reader Comments 0