A tractor-trolley carrying devotees from Punjab overturned and plunged into a deep gorge in Himachal Pradesh's Kangra on Friday, killing three and injuring 26 others, police said.
The accident occurred in the vicinity of Radha Swami Satsang Ghar near Dhaliyara on Dharamshala-Mubarakpur Kiratpur road in Kangra this afternoon, they said.
The vehicle, with 35 devotees from Punjab on board, was on way to Jwalamukhi Temple from Chintpurni Temple when the driver lost control over 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 shifted to Civil Hospital in Dehra, he said, adding that upon arrival at the hospital, three people were declared dead.
The deceased are yet to be identified.
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Of the 26 injured people, six are in critical condition and have been referred to Dr. Rajendra Prasad Government Medical College in Tanda, while others are being treated in hospitals in Dehra. Six passengers were unhurt.
The police have registered a case at 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, prohibited under law, may have contributed to the severity of the accident. However, a detailed probe is underway to ascertain the exact cause, the police said.
The police have urged the public to strictly follow traffic regulations, advised against overloading vehicles and emphasised on adherence to speed limits, especially on hilly and winding roads.
They have also warned against driving under the influence of alcohol or other intoxicants. Authorities also stressed the importance of vehicle fitness checks, use of safety gear such as seat belts and helmets, and adequate rest during long journeys.
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