Shimla/Kullu: In a tragic and unusual accident, four people lost their lives after a tree suddenly collapsed onto a moving vehicle in the Ani area of Kullu district on Saturday.
The victims have been identified as Sneh Lata, Banti Kaundal, Seema, Usha, women local school teachers who were on their way back home towards Shamsher.
According to initial reports, the vehicle was carrying seven passengers and was on its way towards Ani when the tree fell suddenly, crushing the vehicle.
The injured passengers said the tree was hanging precariously at the hill side of the road and collapsed after the windstorm.
Four occupants died on the spot, while three others sustained injuries and were rushed to Anni hospital for treatment.
Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu expressed deep grief over the incident, terming it a heartbreaking loss of precious lives.
The Chief Minister has directed the district administration to extend all possible assistance to the affected families and ensure the best medical care for the injured.
The incident has once again highlighted the vulnerability of hilly terrains like Kullu district, where sudden natural hazards such as falling trees and landslides continue to pose serious risks to commuters, especially during changing weather conditions.
