Two Pilgrims Killed as Car Plunges into Gorge in Himachal’s Una
Shimla, 30th April 2026: A routine return journey from the revered Mata Chintpurni Temple turned fatal on Wednesday after a car carrying two pilgrims veered off the Bharwain-Hoshiarpur road and plunged into a deep gorge, bursting into flames moments later.
The victims, believed to be travelling from Ludhiana, were returning after offering prayers when the accident occurred near Bharwain, a stretch known for its sharp curves and steep gradients.
Preliminary reports suggest a loud bang was heard just before the crash, raising suspicions of a tyre burst that may have caused the driver to lose control.
The car reportedly plunged nearly 150-200 feet into the gorge and caught fire on impact. By the time emergency teams reached the spot, the vehicle had been completely gutted. One body was found thrown outside the wreckage, while the other was discovered charred inside the car.
The police have registered a case and launched an investigation to determine the exact cause of the accident. Identification of one of the victims remains pending due to the extent of the damage.
The tragedy has once again drawn attention to the Bharwain-Chintpurni route, which locals frequently flag as a “black spot”. The road’s narrow bends, broken edges, steep drops, and absence of guardrails have been cited in previous accidents, amplifying calls for urgent safety upgrades.
Authorities have urged motorists, especially pilgrims unfamiliar with hill driving, to maintain low speeds and exercise caution on such routes, where even minor mechanical failures can turn deadly.
