Rock falls from hillside onto moving Thar in Chamba; pilgrim from Punjab dies

August 5, 2026

A major accident occurred early Wednesday morning during the Manimahesh Yatra in Himachal Pradesh’s Chamba district. A large boulder suddenly fell from the hillside onto a ‘Thar’ vehicle carrying pilgrims towards Bharmour, near the Mehla area. The boulder smashed through the vehicle’s sunroof and landed inside, killing one pilgrim on the spot.

According to reports, the incident took place around 3:00 AM. The pilgrims were en route to Bharmour for the Manimahesh Yatra when a large chunk of rock broke off the hillside near Mehla and crashed onto their vehicle. Panic ensued among the other occupants following the accident.

The deceased has been identified as Makhan Singh (40), son of Sharvan Singh, a resident of Hoshiarpur (Punjab). Upon receiving the information, a police team arrived at the scene, took possession of the body, and sent it to the medical college.

Superintendent of Police Vijay Saklani stated that the police are investigating the matter. Incidents of landslides and rockfalls have increased in hilly areas due to continuous rainfall. The administration has urged pilgrims and other travelers heading for the Manimahesh Yatra to exercise extra caution during their journey.