CHAMOLI: A wedding-party vehicle returning to Jyotirmath met with a tragic accident on Wednesday evening when it plunged into a deep gorge on the Helang-Urgam motor road in Chamoli district, killing two youths and leaving three others critically injured.
Our correspondent reports that the incident took place around 5:30 pm near the power-house stretch, a point locals describe as one of the most dangerous bends on the route. The vehicle, carrying five people, veered off the mountain road and crashed into a steep ditch after the driver reportedly lost control.
According to district officials, both deceased, Dhruv (19), son of Kushaal, and Kanhaiya (19), son of Dhirendra, were residents of Saluḍ village. The injured were identified as Puran Singh (55), Kamlesh (25) and Milan (28), all of whom were also part of the wedding group returning home after the ceremony.
Chamoli SDM Chandra Shekhar Vashisht said, “Two persons died on the spot due to the intensity of the fall. Rescue teams faced serious challenges because of fading light and the steep terrain, but all injured individuals were safely evacuated.”
Police teams, disaster-response personnel and local residents worked together to retrieve the victims. The injured were first taken to the Jyotirmath community health centre, after which Puran Singh—who suffered multiple fractures—was referred to Gopeshwar for advanced treatment. Doctors stated that all three injured remain in serious condition.
Villagers have long complained about the safety hazards on this road. A resident from the area said, “Vehicles lose balance at this bend very often. There is no crash barrier, no signage, and nothing to alert drivers. This accident could have been prevented.”
Our correspondent adds that the preliminary investigation suggests possible brake failure or driver misjudgement, though a mechanical inspection of the vehicle is underway. Police have registered a case and begun collecting eyewitness statements. “If any negligence is established, appropriate action will be taken,” an officer said.
Officials said the vehicle was returning from Saluḍ village after a wedding celebration. Transport officers explained that post-function late-evening return trips on hilly routes often increase risk. A senior traffic official remarked, “Mountain roads require caution. Overspeeding or even slight miscalculations on a curve can turn fatal. We will intensify awareness campaigns in the area.”
In response to public concern, the administration has ordered a safety audit of the Helang-Urgam stretch. SDM Vashisht stated, “We have directed teams to identify dangerous bends. Guardrails, reflective signs and regular patrolling will be ensured.”
Local social worker Anil Negi stressed the need for long-term measures, saying, “Every year, families in these remote villages lose their loved ones to such accidents. Infrastructure improvement is not optional, it is urgent.”
Community members have urged compensation for the bereaved families and immediate strengthening of safety features on the road. Officials confirmed that relief procedures for the families of the deceased are being processed.
The tragedy has reignited the debate around inadequate road-safety mechanisms in high-altitude regions, particularly on routes that cater to both local transport and pilgrimage-tourism traffic. Authorities said further updates will follow after the full inquiry is completed.
Dheeraj reports on governance, public services, jobs, and regional developments across Uttarakhand. He specialises in recruitment news, public-sector updates, and civic issues that impact everyday citizens. His reporting brings accuracy, context, and a grassroots perspective to local journalism.
