3 of family die in Chamba road mishap

Three members of a family were killed and two others injured when the car they were travelling in veered off the road, causing the vehicle to roll down onto Chamba-Bharmour highway, early on Tuesday in the Bharmour subdivision of Chamba district.

The accident occurred around 12.30 am near Sawanpur on the Bharmour-Grima road as five family members were returning home from a wedding ceremony at Grima.

The deceased have been identified as Vijay Kumar, his wife Tripta Devi, and his brother Kamlesh Singh.

Vijay’s daughter Nandini, who sustained minor injuries, called for help, after which locals reached the spot.

Chamba Superintendent of Police Abhishek Yadav said the family was returning to their home in Sanchui village after attending a marriage.

Two victims died on the spot while Vijay Kumar succumbed to the injuries on the way to the hospital.

Injured Nandini and Shiv Kumar were taken to the Bharmour Civil Hospital.

Shiv Kumar was later transferred to Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru Government Medical College in Chamba in a critical condition. Yadav said the police have registered a case and further investigations are on.

It may be pertinent to note that Vijay Kumar was the president of the priests’ committee of Sanchui village, and played a key role in organising rituals during the Manimahesh Yatra.

Meanwhile, local MLA Dr Janak Raj expressed grief over the accident, calling it an irreparable loss. He has directed the administration to provide all possible assistance to the affected family.