Daijiworld Media Network – Shimla

Shimla, Jun 18: Seven people were killed after a sport utility vehicle (SUV) plunged into a deep gorge in Himachal Pradesh's Chamba district, officials said on Wednesday.

The accident occurred near Chhatrund on the Masrund-Hamal route when the driver of a Mahindra Bolero reportedly lost control of the vehicle, causing it to veer off the road and fall into a gorge.

All seven occupants of the vehicle died on the spot. The deceased included the driver and six passengers, comprising three women and three men.

According to officials, the victims were returning home after attending a religious function when the mishap took place.

Soon after the accident, police personnel, district administration officials and local residents rushed to the scene and launched rescue and recovery operations.

The bodies were later retrieved from the gorge and sent for further procedures.

Police have registered a case and initiated an investigation to determine the exact cause of the accident. Authorities are examining whether factors such as road conditions, vehicle malfunction or driver error contributed to the tragedy.