Dharamshala, April 10 A tractor-trolley carrying devotees from Punjab overturned and plunged into a deep gorge in Kangra, Himachal Pradesh, on Friday, killing three and injuring 26 others, police said.
The accident occurred near Radha Swami Satsang Ghar near Dhaliyara on the National Highway-503 (Dharamshala-Mubarakpur Kiratpur road) in Kangra on Friday afternoon, they said.
The vehicle, carrying 35 devotees from Punjab, was en route from Chintpurni Temple to the Jwalamukhi Temple when the driver lost control of the vehicle on a hilly stretch.
Dehra Superintendent of Police Mayank Chaudhary said police teams rushed to the spot immediately after receiving information and launched rescue operations with the help of local residents.
The injured were promptly taken to the Civil Hospital in Dehra, he said, adding that upon arrival at the hospital, three people were declared dead.
The identities of the deceased are yet to be confirmed.
Of the 26 injured, six are in critical condition and have been referred to Dr. Rajendra Prasad Government Medical College in Tanda, while the others are being treated in hospitals in Dehra. Six passengers were unharmed.
The police have registered a case at the Dehra Police Station under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and the Motor Vehicles Act.
Preliminary investigations suggest that the use of a tractor-trolley for transporting passengers, which is prohibited under law, may have contributed to the severity of the accident. However, a detailed investigation is underway to determine the exact cause, the police said.
The police have urged the public to strictly follow traffic regulations, advised against overloading vehicles, and emphasized the importance of adhering to speed limits, especially on hilly and winding roads.
They have also warned against driving under the influence of alcohol or other intoxicants. Authorities have also stressed the importance of vehicle fitness checks, the use of safety gear such as seat belts and helmets, and adequate rest during long journeys.