Tragedy in Himachal: Entire Punjabi Family Devastated in a Road Mishap While En Route to Satsang
In a heartbreaking incident that unfolded in the serene hills of Himachal Pradesh, a pilgrimage journey turned into a scene of devastation when a Scorpio SUV carrying five devotees from Punjab plunged into the Salvi River near Nerwa on Saturday evening. The accident claimed two lives, left two others critically injured, and a 10-year-old child remains missing in the turbulent river waters.
The Incident: How a Peaceful Journey Turned Tragic
According to the initial reports from Chopal Police Subdivision, the accident occurred between Tandori and Bathal areas, near Jamradi, when the Scorpio vehicle (registration number PB-32G-8768) was heading towards Dhar Chandna in Kupvi for a religious gathering (Satsang). The occupants of the vehicle were all residents of Nawanshahr, Punjab.
As the vehicle lost control, possibly due to slippery road conditions or driver misjudgment while navigating the hilly stretch, it fell directly into the Salvi River. Locals who witnessed the horrifying fall immediately informed the police, triggering a prompt response from the local administration and rescue teams.
Rescue and Recovery Operations: A Race Against Time
Rescue operations were swiftly initiated by the local police, fire services, and disaster response teams. Four people were pulled out of the river, but two were found dead on the spot. The deceased were identified as Gurmel Lal and Kumar Suchi, both from Nawanshahr, Punjab.
The two survivors, Balwinder Kaur and Keshav Kumar, were found in critical condition and rushed to Nerwa Civil Hospital. Doctors are closely monitoring their condition and providing emergency medical care.
What adds to the tragedy is the fact that Balwinder Kaur’s 10-year-old son was swept away in the river during the accident. Despite frantic efforts by the rescue team, no trace of the boy had been found till Sunday morning.
Search Continues: Child Still Missing in River
Due to the strong water currents and darkness, search operations had to be temporarily paused on Saturday night. As daylight broke on Sunday, fresh efforts resumed with full force. Divers and rescue experts were deployed again along a wide stretch of the river to trace the missing child.
DSP Sushant Sharma from Chopal subdivision confirmed the sequence of events and stated, “Rescue teams managed to recover four individuals from the water. Unfortunately, the child is still missing. We have intensified our search operations this morning and are hopeful for a breakthrough.”
The district administration is also coordinating with the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) to widen the search perimeter downstream in case the river’s flow carried the child further.
Locals Raise Concerns Over Road Safety
Following the accident, locals expressed concerns over the deteriorating condition of roads in the region and the lack of proper safety barriers in accident-prone areas. They urged the administration to install better signage, warning systems, and fencing on steep or dangerous bends along rural hill roads.
This is not the first such incident in this part of Himachal Pradesh. Monsoon rains often make the terrain risky, leading to slippery roads, landslides, and increased chances of vehicle accidents.
Religious Journey Ends in Irreparable Loss
What was meant to be a journey of faith and devotion turned into a nightmare for the family from Punjab. The loss of two lives and the disappearance of a young child have left the Nawanshahr community in shock. Family members have reached Himachal and are in touch with the police and medical authorities.
The Himachal Pradesh Police have assured that a full investigation into the cause of the accident will be conducted. Meanwhile, the priority remains to trace the missing child and ensure the full recovery of the two injured passengers.
Appeal for Caution During Monsoon Travel
Authorities have once again urged travelers, especially those coming from plains to the hilly regions of Himachal, to exercise extreme caution during monsoon. Drivers are advised to avoid speeding, maintain safe distances, and avoid traveling during heavy rainfall, especially in the evenings when visibility is low.
The state government may also issue an advisory restricting late-evening vehicular movement on certain high-risk routes in the coming days.
