Daijiworld Media Network – Shimla

Shimla, May 19: Two people were killed after a massive tree collapsed on a parked truck during a powerful early morning storm that swept through Kangra and Mandi districts on Monday.

The victims, Sanjeev Kumar (42) from Dehra Gopipur and Tekram Chand (48) from Ridhi Baroh, were resting in the brick-loaded truck when the tree fell on it near Khowa Panchayat, Nagarota Bagwan around 4:30 am. It took nearly four hours and two excavators to retrieve their bodies after cutting through the truck’s mangled cabin.

The storm uprooted several electricity poles, triggering widespread power cuts. Electricity Board engineer Adarsh Bhardwaj said teams are working to restore supply.

Authorities at Mandi's Pandoh Dam warned tourists and locals against approaching the Beas River, as spill gates may be opened due to rising water levels caused by rain and glacier melt.

Thunderstorms lashed several regions including Palampur, Jot, Bhuntar, Kalpa and Shimla. Hailstorms were reported in Kangra and Jot, while gusty winds battered Reckong Peo, Tabo, Kufri and Bilaspur.

The Sansari-Killar-Tindi-Thirot road in Lahaul-Spiti, earlier blocked by flash floods, has now been reopened.

The local Met office issued an Orange warning for thunderstorms with lightning and hail in districts like Kullu, Mandi, Shimla, Solan and Sirmaur, and a Yellow warning for the rest of the state.

Keylong recorded the coldest night at 3.5°C, while Una was the hottest at 39.3°C.