Chandigarh | Updated: July 2, 2026
A tourist from Rajasthan was killed and three others were injured after a Scorpio SUV met with a horrific accident near the north portal of Atal Tunnel in Himachal Pradesh late on Tuesday night.
The group was travelling from Manali towards Lahaul when the accident took place. A video of the damaged vehicle has gone viral, showing the SUV stuck near an under-construction bridge site after being pierced by multiple iron rods.
The deceased has been identified as Kailash, 34, a resident of Sikar in Rajasthan.
The injured have been identified as Aditya from Lakhimpur in Uttar Pradesh; Rajendra from Rajasthan; and Siddharth, who was driving the vehicle. Rajendra and Siddharth are also residents of Sikar.
According to police, preliminary investigation suggests that the Scorpio went out of control due to overspeeding soon after exiting the Atal Tunnel.
Police said the driver allegedly failed to negotiate a curve, following which the SUV veered off the road towards the Chandra river and crashed into an under-construction bridge structure.
Sissu Station House Officer Mukesh Rathour said rescue teams pulled the injured out of the wreckage and shifted them to the hospital for treatment.
Police said Kailash’s body has been taken into custody, and his family has been informed.
Authorities have appealed to tourists to avoid overspeeding and unnecessary night travel in hilly areas, especially during the monsoon season.
The accident has once again raised concerns over rash driving on mountain roads near the Atal Tunnel and other high-altitude routes in Himachal Pradesh.
