43 killed in two accidents in Chamba

43 people, including 34 members of a marriage party, were killed in two separate accidents in Chamba district of Himachal Pradesh late on Wednesday night. HT reports.

43 people, including 34 members of a marriage party, were killed in two separate accidents in Chamba district of Himachal Pradesh late on Wednesday night.

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At least 32 persons died on the spot when a truck carrying 40 members of a marriage party fell into a 50 metre deep gorge near Sherpur village, 50 km from district headquarters Chamba, around 12.30 am.

Most of the victims were from Chaura village.

Transport minister Mohinder Singh Thakur on Thursday said the accident apparently occurred due to human negligence.

Police have registered a case and the district administration has disbursed Rs 15,000 to next of the kin of the deceased.

In a separate accident nearly four hours earlier, a van carrying nine persons rolled down a gorge near Thalla village, about 65 km off Chamba. Seven bodies were recovered, while two could not be traced owing to heavy rainfall and inclement weather.