13 Killed as Massive Landslide Buries Taxi in Himachal Pradesh's Lahaul-Spiti

At least 13 people were killed after a massive landslide buried a Tata Sumo taxi on the Udaipur-Killar road near Kadu Nallah in the tribal district of Lahaul-Spiti, Himachal Pradesh, on Friday. One person was rescued alive from the debris, while rescue teams continued operations at the site.

Taxi buried under landslide

According to officials, a large section of the hillside suddenly collapsed near Kadu Nallah, engulfing the vehicle that was travelling from Kullu to Pangi.

The road had remained closed a day earlier due to landslides, forcing the passengers to halt at Tindi. After the route was reopened on Friday, the taxi resumed its journey but was struck by the landslide shortly afterwards.

One survivor rescued

Following the incident, police, district officials and rescue teams rushed to the spot and launched a rescue operation.

One injured passenger was pulled out alive from the debris and shifted to a hospital for treatment. Search and rescue operations were carried out on a war footing to locate the remaining occupants.

Vehicle was carrying 15 passengers

Lahaul-Spiti Superintendent of Police Shivani Mahla confirmed that 13 people lost their lives in the tragedy.

Bharmour MLA Dr Janak Raj said the vehicle was carrying 15 people. Among those killed was a six-month-old infant, while two people survived the accident.

Authorities urge caution amid rising landslide risk

Expressing grief over the incident, Dr Janak Raj extended condolences to the bereaved families and said he was in constant touch with the district administrations of Chamba and Lahaul-Spiti to monitor rescue and relief efforts.

With continuous rainfall triggering frequent landslides in the region, authorities have urged travellers to check weather forecasts and road conditions before undertaking journeys and to strictly follow official advisories.