Funeral journey turns fatal in Kinnaur; rescue teams continue search
TNR News Network
SHIMLA: In a heartbreaking incident from Himachal Pradesh’s Kinnaur district, a woman along with her son went missing after the car they were travelling in and carrying her plunged into the Sutlej. The car was carrying the body of the woman’s husband, Chering Namgyal, a former Block Development Officer (BDO) who retired from Kaza in Lahaul-Spiti district.
The incident occurred on September 15, but rescue teams are yet to locate the missing mother and son, despite ongoing efforts.
Chering Namgyal had recently passed away due to illness. His wife Chunit Dolma and their son Tankhe were transporting his mortal remains back to their native place when tragedy struck near the Shaso Khud area in Pooh subdivision. The vehicle lost control and fell into the river, where it got caught in the fierce current midstream.
Search operation enters fourth day
The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), police and local authorities have been engaged in an extensive search operation for the past three days. Despite using all available resources, the team has not yet managed to reach the submerged vehicle due to dangerous water flow and the river’s depth.
Lahaul-Spiti MLA Anuradha Rana took to social media to express her concern and confirmed that constant communication is being maintained with Kinnaur officials and the state’s disaster management team. She also requested urgent intervention from Kinnaur MLA and Revenue Minister Jagat Singh Negi to accelerate the rescue efforts. Local volunteers from Spiti are also actively supporting ground operations.
Outrage over delayed response
The incident has sparked outrage in the region, particularly in Lahaul-Spiti. Former minister Ram Lal Markanda questioned the government’s preparedness and alleged that the lives of people from remote districts are being treated with indifference.
“It’s been four days and not only are the bodies missing, the administration hasn’t even reached the car stuck in the river. Is there no value for the lives of people from tribal Lahaul-Spiti and Kinnaur districts?” he asked.
