13 killed as landslide fall on tourist vehicle in Himachal Pradesh

At least 13 people, including a six-month-old infant, were killed after a massive landslide fell on a tourist vehicle under rocks and debris in India's northern state of Himachal Pradesh.

The accident took place at Kadu Nala along the Udaipur–Killar road in the Lahaul and Spiti district on Friday afternoon (July 24), when a Tata Sumo carrying passengers was crushed after huge boulders and mud came crashing down onto the vehicle.

Rescue teams comprising the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), local police, district administration and the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) launched an immediate operation. However, persistent rainfall and unstable terrain hampered rescue efforts.

After hours of clearance work using heavy machinery, rescuers recovered the vehicle from beneath the debris. All 13 occupants were found dead at the scene.

Authorities said the victims included seven men, four women and a six-month-old infant. Most of those killed were residents of Pangi Valley in Chamba district, while the remaining victims were from Lahaul and Spiti.

Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu expressed deep grief over the tragedy and assured all possible assistance to the bereaved families. He also directed officials to expedite relief measures and provide necessary support.

The disaster comes as Himachal Pradesh continues to grapple with intense monsoon conditions. Since the onset of the rainy season, the state has witnessed repeated landslides, flash floods and road blockages, particularly across Lahaul and Spiti, Kinnaur, Kullu and Mandi districts.

The India Meteorological Department has forecast heavy to very heavy rainfall in the region over the coming days, raising fears of further disruptions.