Chamoli Accident: Pickup Truck Falls into 40m Ravine; Two Critically Injured

February 13, 2026

A pickup truck carrying five people fell into a 40-meter deep ravine near Kudra Band on Simli-Gwaldam National Highway in the Tharali area of Chamoli. The vehicle was carrying goods from Haldwani to Tharali for the upcoming Dewal Fair.

Mechanical Failure Causes Vehicle to Lose Control

The accident occurred around 12:35 pm on Friday (February 13, 2026). According to preliminary police investigation, the pickup truck (UK-18-CA-4255) developed a mechanical problem, causing the driver to lose control and the vehicle to plunge into a ravine about 30–40 meters below the road.

Rescue Operation Conducted by Police and Locals

Upon receiving information, 112 and police teams immediately reached the spot. With help from local residents, all passengers were rescued from the ravine and taken to the Tharali Community Health Center (CHC). Doctors reported that two people were in critical condition while others sustained minor injuries.

Victims Were Heading to Dewal Fair

All five passengers were residents of Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh and were transporting goods to set up a stall at the upcoming Dewal Fair. One passenger survived the accident without injury.

Injured Identified

• Anshu (25), son of Hameed Mian, Old Roadways, Bareilly

• Pappu (50), resident of Old Roadways, Bareilly

• Sohail (45), son of Babar, Old Roadways, Bareilly

• Ali (17), son of Sarafat, Old Roadways, Bareilly

(One person’s identity is yet to be confirmed.)