13 killed, two injured as falling boulders crush moving vehicle in Himachal's Lahaul-Spiti
A tragic landslide in Himachal Pradesh's Lahaul-Spiti district resulted in the deaths of 13 people after massive boulders crushed their moving taxi. Rescue operations were launched immediately, though the vehicle was completely destroyed by the impact and subsequent fire.
Why it matters
This incident highlights the ongoing risks of infrastructure and travel in mountainous regions during monsoon seasons, emphasizing the need for better road safety and disaster management.
Thirteen people were killed while two others had a narrow escape after massive boulders from a nearby hill suddenly fell onto a moving taxi on the Udaipur-Pangi road in Himachal Pradesh's Lahaul Spiti on Friday (July 24, 2026), police said.
The deceased included a six-month-old infant. Fifteen people were on board the SUV, which was on its way from Kullu to Killar when large boulders suddenly crashed onto the vehicle, completely crushing it.
Following the impact, the rear section of the vehicle caught fire. Bystanders and Army personnel present at the spot attempted to extinguish the flames. Videos of the incident have also surfaced, showing the vehicle reduced to wreckage and engulfed in fire.
Confirming the incident, Bharmour MLA Janak Raj told the PTI that 13 of the 15 occupants have died while two individuals who jumped out of the vehicle survived.
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