Manali, August 1: A fatal road accident in Old Manali claimed two lives and left three passengers hospitalized on Saturday after a vehicle veered off course and fell into the Manalsu nallah. Law enforcement officials registered a case under Sections 281 and 125(a) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, noting that preliminary assessments point toward driver error and loss of control along the Vashisth-Manali stretch.
Recounting the mechanics of the accident, Manali Deputy Superintendent of Police KD Sharma maintained that five individuals were aboard the black Maruti Jimny when it tumbled approximately 20 feet into the water body below. Hospital authorities subsequently declared the driver, Rohit Kumar, and passenger Karun Bauddh deceased upon arrival due to critical injuries suffered in the impact.
The remaining three occupants—Vivek, Naresh Kumar, and Urmila—are currently undergoing treatment, with medical staff keeping their conditions under close watch. Police confirmed that the bodies of the deceased have been transferred to the mortuary pending formal autopsy procedures alongside family members.
Reflecting on the risks associated with mountain transit, DSP Sharma declared that drivers need to prioritize safety protocols, maintain moderate speeds, and exercise extra care across hilly routes to avert potential hazards.
