Himachal: 6 tourists killed, 4 injured after Innova Crysta falls into gorge in Chamba; CM Sukhu expresses grief
Shashi Bhushan Purohit/Babushahi Bureau
Chamba (Himachal Pradesh), May 11, 2026: At least six people lost their lives and four others were seriously injured after a tourist vehicle plunged into a deep gorge near Kakira in the Bhattiyat area of Chamba during the early hours of Monday.
According to officials, the accident took place around 3 am on the Lahru-Tunuhatti road near Kakira when an Innova Crysta carrying tourists from Gujarat skidded off the road amid heavy rainfall and fell into the gorge. The tourists were reportedly travelling from Manali to Dalhousie.
Police said there were 10 people, including the driver, inside the vehicle at the time of the accident. Preliminary investigations suggest that bad weather and slippery road conditions may have contributed to the mishap.
The injured victims were initially provided first aid and later referred to Dr. Rajendra Prasad Government Medical College in Tanda due to their critical condition.
The deceased have been identified as:
- Lalitbhai Patnani, resident of Bhavnagar, Gujarat
- Mamataben Lalitbhai Patnani, resident of Bhavnagar, Gujarat
- Kajal, wife of Priyank Kanhaiyalal Bhopani
- Diyansh, son of Priyank Kanhaiyalal Bhopani
- Priyank Kanhaiyalal Bhopani
- Jaswant Kumar (51), resident of Jogindernagar, Mandi district, Himachal Pradesh
The injured persons include:
- Mayank Lalitbhai Patnani (31)
- Forumben Mayank Patnani (31)
- Jiyansh Mayank Lalitbhai Patnani (3)
- Priyanshi Bhopani (3)
Chamba Superintendent of Police (SP) Vijay Kumar Saklani said that a case has been registered and an investigation into the exact cause of the accident is underway. He added that police teams were rushed to the spot immediately after receiving information about the incident and that the administration has begun informing the families of the victims.
Meanwhile, Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu expressed grief over the loss of lives in the tragic road accident.
The Chief Minister directed the district administration to provide all possible assistance to the affected families and ensure proper medical treatment for the injured. He also conveyed condolences to the bereaved families and prayed for peace to the departed souls.