Shimla/Mandi: Four people were killed and six others sustained injuries after two heavy goods vehicles collided head‑on inside the Hanogi Tunnel in Mandi district on Thursday, police said.
Rescue and medical response
Mandi Superintendent of Police Vinod Kumar reported that three victims died at the scene and a fourth succumbed to injuries later. The injured — named by police as Deepak, Aijat, Sahzad, Bhagirath and Mukesh Kumar — were stabilised at the site and later referred to Shri Lal Bahadur Shastri Medical College & Hospital, Nerchowk, and to the Kullu hospital for further treatment.
Victims identified
Police provided names and places of origin for the deceased: Shakeel (20), Vishal (21) and Ravi Kumar (22), all residents of Uttar Pradesh, and Meghnath Sharma (39) from Bihar. Authorities have initiated formal procedures following the fatalities.
Investigation and legal action
An investigation has been launched to determine the circumstances that led to the collision, the SP said. A case has been registered under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, invoking Sections 281 (rash driving), 126(a) (wrongful restraint) and 106(1) (causing death by negligence), according to the police statement.
Traffic and safety implications
Traffic flow inside the tunnel was disrupted for a period after the crash. Police personnel and emergency teams attended the scene to clear the wreckage and restore movement. The SP said one truck was proceeding from Mandi towards Kullu while the other was travelling in the opposite direction when the collision occurred.
Police said inquiries are under way to establish the exact cause of the head‑on collision and whether any traffic violations or mechanical failure contributed to the crash.
Related incident on Bhaged‑Panaul road
In a separate event on the Bhaged‑Panaul road, a government bus carrying about 40 passengers en route from Jablu to Ghumarwin collided with a private bus and came to rest against a roadside parapet. Officials said there were only minor abrasions among passengers and no major injuries were reported.
- Fatalities: 4 (Shakeel, Vishal, Ravi Kumar, Meghnath Sharma)
- Injured: 6 (Deepak, Aijat, Sahzad, Bhagirath, Mukesh Kumar, plus one unnamed)
- Legal action: FIR under BNS Sections 281, 126(a) and 106(1)
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Hanogi Tunnel, Mandi district |
| Date | Thursday (reported) |
| Vehicles involved | Two trucks (head‑on collision) |
| Hospitals | Shri Lal Bahadur Shastri Medical College & Hospital, Nerchowk; Kullu hospital |
Police have not yet released further technical details such as speed of the vehicles, professional licence status of drivers or whether alcohol or brake failure were factors. Forensic and vehicular examinations, as well as statements from surviving occupants and any available CCTV or tunnel monitoring footage, are expected to form part of the probe, the SP said.
The registration of the case under provisions that include rash driving and causing death by negligence indicates prosecutors may pursue charges related to dangerous driving practices if investigations find culpability. Families of the deceased were informed and authorities are assisting with post‑mortem and related legal formalities, police added.
Road safety and tunnel operations have come under scrutiny in the aftermath of the crash. Hanogi Tunnel, a critical link for traffic between Mandi and Kullu districts, sees frequent heavy‑vehicle movement, and any prolonged disruption can affect commuters and goods transport on the route.
Local residents and regular users of the corridor expressed concern about safety standards and enforcement of traffic rules inside the tunnel. Police urged drivers to exercise caution while using the passage and said a detailed report will be submitted to district authorities once the inquiry concludes.
