Three people were killed and a fourth critically injured in the early hours of Thursday when a car returning from Kasol crashed near Bhootnath Bridge on the Kullu bypass road. The incident occurred at around 1 am and has left the local community in shock.
According to police, the car struck the parapet installed beside the bridge before ploughing into a truck that was parked along the roadside. The impact was severe and three occupants of the car died at the scene. The lone survivor, a woman, was rushed to Kullu Hospital where doctors say she remains in a serious condition under close medical supervision.
Preliminary information suggests the group had travelled to Kasol on 31 December to celebrate a birthday and to welcome the New Year. One of the deceased has been identified as Satpal, a resident of Kullu who ran a tattoo studio in Akhara Bazar. The identities of the two women who died are yet to be confirmed.
Kullu road accident investigation under way
Police have registered a case and launched an inquiry to determine the exact cause of the crash. Investigating officers are examining several factors including the speed of the vehicle, the road surface and the circumstances in which the truck was parked. Forensic teams and traffic police are expected to inspect the scene and collect evidence.
Authorities said post-mortem examinations will be carried out at Kullu Hospital later in the day. Once formalities are complete, the bodies will be handed to the families for last rites. Local officials have appealed for any witnesses or motorists with dashcam footage to come forward and assist the investigation.
The accident has prompted an outpouring of grief in the town. News of Satpal’s death spread quickly among residents and fellow artists, with many recalling his work and presence in the local market. Officials offered condolences to the bereaved families and reiterated the importance of safe parking and adherence to traffic regulations, particularly on busy routes and bypass roads.
Road safety campaigners say New Year periods often see increased traffic and higher risk of accidents as people travel late at night to return from celebrations. While investigators will determine the precise sequence of events that led to this crash, they emphasised that factors such as speed, driver fatigue and roadside hazards are commonly involved in serious collisions.
The Kullu police have urged motorists to exercise caution on the bypass road and to avoid parking on hard shoulders or in locations that may obstruct other road users. The ongoing probe is expected to yield further details in the coming days and authorities will release additional information as it becomes available.
Key Takeaways:
- Three occupants of a car died on the spot in a Kullu road accident near Bhootnath Bridge in the early hours after returning from Kasol.
- One woman remains critically injured and is receiving treatment at Kullu Hospital.
- Police have registered a case and are probing factors including vehicle speed, road conditions and the parked truck involved.
- The deceased include Satpal, a local tattoo artist, prompting shock and mourning in the town.
