Munish Sood
Mandi
Mahashivratri celebrations turned into mourning in Himachal Pradesh’s Seraj region after a tragic road accident claimed the lives of three teenagers and left another youth critically injured in the Thunag area of Mandi district.
The heartbreaking incident occurred around 4 am on Sunday near Bunalidhar on the MDR-91 Lambathach–Kalhani road, when a jeep (HP 65-5148) carrying four youths reportedly went out of control at a sharp bend and plunged into a deep gorge.
Police officials said the youths, all residents of Bagsyad–Rahidhar and nearby villages, were travelling for personal work when the driver lost control on the narrow and dangerous mountain stretch. The crash was so severe that two teenagers died on the spot, while another succumbed to injuries on the way to the district hospital.
The deceased have been identified as Hritik Thakur (19) of Rahidhar, Sunil (17) of Wah village under Kelodhar post office, and Ishan (18) of Tharjuun village. Locals said the three were childhood friends, and their sudden deaths have left the entire region in shock.
The only survivor, Kushal (18), remains in critical condition and has been referred to Nerchowk Medical College and Hospital after initial treatment.
Police teams from Janjehli reached the spot soon after the accident, launched rescue operations, and sent the bodies for post-mortem examination. Preliminary investigation points to overspeeding and loss of control, though a detailed inquiry is underway.
Superintendent of Police Vinod Thakur confirmed the incident and urged motorists to exercise extreme caution while driving on the narrow and hazardous roads of the region.
The tragedy on such a sacred festival day has cast a pall of grief across Seraj.
