A tragic road accident took place near the Atal Tunnel in Himachal Pradesh after a Scorpio SUV plunged into an under-construction bridge site, leaving one person dead and several others injured, police said on Thursday. According to initial reports, the vehicle was travelling from the Manali side towards the Lahaul valley when the driver reportedly lost control near a construction zone close to the tunnel’s northern portal. The SUV veered off the road and fell onto a partially constructed bridge structure below, resulting in a high-impact crash.

Rescue teams and local police immediately reached the accident spot after being alerted by passersby. The injured passengers were pulled out of the damaged vehicle with the help of emergency responders and shifted to a nearby hospital for treatment. Officials confirmed that one occupant died on the spot due to the severity of the impact, while others sustained injuries and are currently under medical supervision.

Authorities have launched a detailed investigation into the incident. While the exact cause is yet to be determined, preliminary assessment suggests that overspeeding and challenging road conditions in the mountainous terrain may have contributed to the accident. Officials are also examining whether adequate barricades, signage, and safety measures were in place around the under-construction bridge area at the time of the mishap.

The stretch near the Atal Tunnel is known for heavy tourist traffic throughout the year, as it connects Manali to the Lahaul-Spiti region and significantly reduces travel time. However, the route remains risky due to steep curves, ongoing construction activity, and unpredictable weather conditions, especially during night hours. Authorities have urged commuters to adhere to speed limits and exercise extreme caution while travelling through high-altitude roads where construction work is in progress.