25 pilgrims hurt as truck overturns in Jwalamukhi

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Rahul Chawla

The North News

Dehra, March 26

At least 25 pilgrims were injured, five of them seriously, after a truck carrying devotees overturned on the Jwalamukhi-Dehra road in Himachal Pradesh on Thursday, police said. The accident took place at a sharp bend near Dhawala, where the truck reportedly lost control and overturned, triggering panic among those on board.

Officials said around 40 devotees from Malout in Punjab’s Muktsar district were travelling in the vehicle. They were returning after offering langar service during Navratri at the Usha Devi Dharamshala in Jwalamukhi.

The truck was also carrying food supplies used for the langar, according to local reports. A passenger, identified as Ram Kumar, said the group had travelled from Malout for the annual service and was on its way back when the vehicle overturned near Dhawala. Local residents rushed to the scene and began rescue efforts before emergency services arrived. Ambulances later took the injured to the Civil Hospital in Dehra, while some were shifted in private vehicles, officials said.

Police reached the spot soon after being alerted and have launched an investigation into the cause of the crash. Initial reports suggest the sharp turn and loss of vehicle balance may have led to the accident.

Former Minister Ramesh Dhawala raised concerns over road safety on the route, saying several dangerous bends on the stretch have long been prone to accidents and lack adequate warning signs.

He also called for stricter action against the practice of carrying passengers in goods vehicles.

Authorities said relief and rescue operations were continuing, while efforts were being made to ensure better treatment for those critically injured.