11 dead as SUV rolls down gorge near Rohtang Pass in Himachal Pradesh

Passersby saw the mangled remains of the SUV in the gorge at Rahni Nalla and informed the police.

At least 11 people, including three children and five women, were killed when the vehicle they were travelling in skidded off the road and rolled down a gorge near Rohtang Pass on Manali-Leh highway late on Wednesday night, police said.

11 people were killed after a car rolled down a hill near Rohtang Pass in Himachal Pradesh. (ANI Photo)

Kullu’s superintendent of police (SP) Shalini Agnihotri said the SUV was on its way from Manali to Pangi in Chamba district.

“The vehicle bearing registration number HP-45 7000 was entered at Gulaba check post near Manali but did not reach Koksar on Lahaul side,” Agnihotri said.

Passersby saw the mangled remains of the SUV in the gorge at Rahni Nalla and informed the police. A rescue team was then rushed to the spot and the bodies were retrieved. The dead are being identified.

Bad weather and dense fog in the area are said to be prima facie reasons behind the accident. Police have initiated an investigation to ascertain the exact cause.