Chamba gorge accident: 5 family members killed near Dalhousie on NH-154A
Synopsis
A family of five, including an infant being brought home after hospital treatment in Chandigarh, died when their car plunged into a gorge on NH-154A near Dalhousie in Chamba, Himachal Pradesh. Heavy rain, fog, and a blocked highway made the overnight rescue operation a grim ordeal — as seven districts now face fresh flash flood warnings.
Key Takeaways
Five family members , including an infant under one year old, were killed when their car fell into a gorge on NH-154A near Dalhousie , Chamba , on Monday night, 28 July .
The family was returning from the PGI, Chandigarh , where the infant had been receiving medical treatment.
Victims included the child's grandparents , parents , and the infant itself.
SP Vijay Saklani confirmed rescue teams faced major hurdles due to heavy rain and a landslide blocking NH-154A near Banikhet .
The Shimla Meteorological Centre has issued a flash flood warning for seven Himachal districts for the next 24 hours .
The exact cause of the accident remains under investigation.
Five members of a family, including an infant under one year of age, were killed on Monday night when their car plunged into a deep gorge on National Highway 154A near Dalhousie in Chamba district, Himachal Pradesh, police confirmed on Tuesday, 28 July. The family was returning to their home after seeking medical treatment for the infant at the Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGI) in Chandigarh when the accident occurred.
What Happened
According to police, the car's driver reportedly lost control of the vehicle amid heavy rain, dense fog, and slippery road conditions, causing it to plunge into the gorge. The victims included the infant's grandparents and parents, along with the child itself. Superintendent of Police Vijay Saklani confirmed that police and rescue teams were immediately deployed to the site after the incident was reported.
The exact cause of the accident is yet to be officially determined, pending a full police investigation. Preliminary findings, however, point to severely compromised visibility and treacherous road conditions at the time of the crash.
Rescue Operation Under Difficult Conditions
The rescue operation was conducted through the night under challenging circumstances. Heavy rain and a landslide-triggered blockage on NH-154A near Banikhet significantly hampered the movement of rescue teams. With the assistance of local residents and district administration personnel, the rescue and relief work was eventually completed.
SP Saklani told reporters that the coordination between police, rescue teams, and the local community was critical to completing the operation under such adverse conditions.
Broader Weather Crisis in Himachal Pradesh
The tragedy comes amid a wider monsoon crisis gripping Himachal Pradesh. The Shimla-based Meteorological Centre has issued a flash flood warning for seven districts — Chamba, Kangra, Kullu, Mandi, Shimla, Sirmaur, and Solan — for the next 24 hours, citing a low to moderate risk of flash floods over several watersheds and neighbouring areas.
Residents have been advised to stay away from vulnerable zones, riverbanks, and water bodies. In and around Chamba town, torrential overnight rains damaged several parked vehicles and inundated residential areas with mud and debris, causing damage to houses and shops. NH-154A was also blocked following a separate landslide, further disrupting connectivity in the region.
Pattern of Monsoon Fatalities on Hill Roads
This is not an isolated incident. Himachal Pradesh records a disproportionate number of road fatalities during the monsoon season, when mountain highways become particularly treacherous due to landslides, fog, and surface runoff. The Chamba-Dalhousie stretch has historically seen accidents during heavy rainfall periods, raising persistent questions about road safety infrastructure and real-time hazard alerts on hill highways.
Authorities are expected to continue monitoring the situation as the monsoon intensifies across the state in the coming days.
Point of View
Navigating a national highway at night in fog and heavy rain with no apparent real-time hazard alert system in place. Seven districts are now under flash flood warning, and NH-154A is already blocked by a separate landslide. The question is not just whether this accident could have been prevented, but why the same stretch keeps claiming lives every monsoon season without a structural safety response.
NationPress
28 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened in the Chamba gorge accident on 28 July?
Five members of a family, including an infant, died when their car fell into a gorge on National Highway 154A near Dalhousie in Chamba district, Himachal Pradesh, on Monday night. Police say the driver reportedly lost control due to heavy rain, fog, and slippery road conditions.
Who were the victims of the Chamba car accident?
The victims were five family members — the infant's grandparents, parents, and the child itself, who was under one year old. The family was returning home after the infant's medical treatment at PGI in Chandigarh.
What made the rescue operation difficult?
Heavy rain and a landslide that blocked NH-154A near Banikhet severely hampered the movement of rescue teams. The operation was carried out through the night with help from local residents and the district administration.
Is there a broader weather warning for Himachal Pradesh?
Yes. The Shimla Meteorological Centre has issued a flash flood warning for seven districts — Chamba, Kangra, Kullu, Mandi, Shimla, Sirmaur, and Solan — for the next 24 hours. Residents have been advised to avoid riverbanks and vulnerable areas.
What is the official cause of the Chamba accident?
The exact cause is yet to be determined and remains under police investigation. Preliminary findings suggest heavy rain, dense fog, and slippery road conditions led to the driver losing control of the vehicle.
