At least five passengers were injured, some of them seriously, after a vehicle overturned on the Kiratpur-Manali National Highway near Panarsa in the Aut subdivision of Mandi district on Wednesday.
According to the police, the accident occurred when a traveller vehicle was travelling from Mandi towards Manali. As the vehicle approached a sharp bend near Panarsa, the driver allegedly lost control, causing the vehicle to overturn on the highway.
The mishap triggered panic in the area as passengers cried out for help. Local residents and passersby rushed to the spot and helped in rescuing the injured passengers trapped inside the vehicle. The injured were shifted to Nagwain Hospital for treatment.
Soon after receiving information about the accident, a team from the Aut Police Station reached the spot and launched rescue operations. Police officials also assisted in transporting the injured to the hospital and inspected the accident site.
Preliminary investigations suggest that overspeeding or loss of control by the driver may have led to the accident. Officials noted that the Mandi-Manali highway passes through hilly terrain with sharp curves and steep slopes, making even minor negligence potentially dangerous.
Police have initiated a detailed investigation into the incident. Authorities said the driver’s medical examination would be conducted and the fitness of the vehicle would also be checked to ascertain the exact cause of the accident.
The Mandi-Manali National Highway is considered one of the most important routes in Himachal Pradesh, connecting tourists and locals to major destinations in Kullu and Manali. Traffic on the highway increases significantly during the summer tourist season.
Police officials said the injured passengers are currently stable. Further investigation into the matter is under way, and a detailed report is being prepared.
