Five members of a Sindhi family from Gujarat lost their lives, while four others were injured after their vehicle reportedly lost control and plunged into a ditch on the Chamba-Nurpur National Highway in Himachal Pradesh early Wednesday morning.
The victims belonged to the Fatani and Bhopani families from Bhagnagar (Pachanagar) in Gujarat.
The group, comprising 10 people including the driver, was returning from a family trip to Manali when the accident occurred.
According to police, the driver lost control of the vehicle during the early hours, causing the car to fall into a deep ditch.
Officials suspect heavy rainfall and slippery soil may have contributed to the mishap.The deceased were identified as Lalitbai Fatani (59), her daughter-in-law Soniben (56), another daughter-in-law Kajalbhen (36), Kalitabai Jatani Priyankbai (39), and a nine-year-old grandson.
The driver, Jasvant Kumar (51), a resident of Kohra village in Jogindernagar tehsil of Mandi district, also died in the crash.Those injured — including Mayankbhai Fatani, Jignesh, Forumben, Jiansh, and Priyanashi — are undergoing treatment at a hospital in Manali and are reported to be out of danger.
Chamba Superintendent of Police Vijay Kumar Saklani said the bodies were recovered from the ditch and sent to Chamba Chuari Hospital for post-mortem examination. Police have launched an investigation into the incident.
Suresh Makheja, a close friend of the family, said Lalitbai Fatani lived in Ghogha Sarkal Printing Society in Bhavnagar and was known for her social work and brokerage business.The tragedy has left the Sindhi community in Gujarat in deep shock and mourning.
Kamlesh Chandani, regional president of the Sindhi Society of Panchanagar, said community leaders are in constant contact with the Himachal Pradesh administration to help bring the bodies back to Gujarat.“The bodies are expected to reach Gujarat by tomorrow evening after completion of official procedures,” Chandani said. He added that members of the Sindhi society have also visited the family’s residence to offer support and condolences.
The last rites of the deceased will be conducted in Gujarat after the bodies are brought back. The community has also prayed for the speedy recovery of the injured.