A government employee and his eight-year-old son lost their lives when their car fell into a deep gorge in Himachal Pradesh’s Sirmaur district late Sunday night. The vehicle, a Maruti Brezza, plunged into the gorge near Bhatnol on the Shillai-Meenas National Highway 707. The man’s 11-year-old daughter, who was also in the car, went missing following the accident but was later found safe after undertaking a perilous trek through difficult terrain.
Information was available with The Chenab Times that the deceased have been identified as Sohan Singh, 40, a clerk at the Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) office in Shillai and a resident of Kando Bhatnol, and his son Shivanshu. The accident occurred around 11 pm on Sunday. While the bodies of Sohan Singh and Shivanshu were recovered during the night, the search for the daughter, Anvi, continued with urgency. Her schoolbag was found near the accident site, heightening concerns for her safety.
On Monday morning, a coordinated search operation was launched by the administration, led by Shillai SDM Jaspal, along with administrative officials and local residents. Drones were deployed to aid in surveying the challenging terrain. After approximately four to five hours of intensive searching across the difficult landscape, the 11-year-old girl was located safe.
According to local accounts, Anvi had managed to exit the damaged vehicle following the crash. She then reportedly walked for nearly 4 kilometers through the night. Her ordeal ended when a local woman spotted her on Monday morning, crying and sitting on a roadside parapet near a village. The girl, having lost her father and younger brother in the tragic incident, was found in a state of distress. The accident has cast a pall of grief over the family and the residents of the Shillai area.
Road accidents resulting in fatalities are a persistent concern in the hilly terrains of Himachal Pradesh, where winding roads, steep gradients, and often adverse weather conditions contribute to the risks. The state government and local administration frequently issue advisories regarding safe driving practices, particularly during nighttime and in challenging weather. However, the inherent nature of the geography often presents formidable challenges to road safety infrastructure and enforcement.
The National Highway 707, on which the accident occurred, connects various remote areas within the Sirmaur district, facilitating transportation for local communities and tourists. Such highways, while crucial for connectivity, often traverse areas prone to landslides and require constant maintenance and vigilance due to their mountainous routes. The incident underscores the critical need for continuous safety audits and potential improvements in road engineering and signage in these vulnerable stretches.
In the aftermath of such incidents, rescue operations in remote and difficult terrains pose significant logistical and operational challenges for authorities. The deployment of resources, including trained personnel, specialized equipment like drones, and the coordination with local communities, becomes paramount. The successful rescue of Anvi, despite the grim circumstances, highlights the dedication of the search teams and the resilience of the young girl in navigating a dangerous situation.
The investigation into the exact cause of the accident is expected to focus on factors such as vehicle condition, driver alertness, and road conditions. Authorities typically examine the vehicle for any mechanical failures and review the circumstances leading up to the plunge. The loss of life in such accidents often prompts renewed calls for stricter enforcement of traffic laws and enhanced road safety measures across the state. The recovery of the bodies and the safe rescue of the child mark the immediate conclusion of the search phase, with the focus now shifting to the investigation and support for the grieving family.
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The Chenab Times News Desk
