Tourist dies after SUV crashes into under-construction bridge near Himachal's Atal Tunnel

A 34-year-old tourist from Rajasthan was killed and three others were injured after their SUV veered off the road and crashed into an under-construction bridge near the north portal of the Atal Tunnel in Himachal Pradesh's Kullu district. The accident occurred late Tuesday night as the group was travelling from Manali to Lahaul.

According to police, the Mahindra Scorpio lost control shortly after exiting the Atal Tunnel at around 10 pm. Preliminary investigations suggest the driver was allegedly overspeeding and failed to negotiate a sharp turn, causing the vehicle to plunge off the road towards the Chandra River before crashing into the under-construction bridge. Iron reinforcement rods from the bridge pierced the SUV, leaving it severely damaged.

The deceased was identified as Kailash, a resident of Rajasthan's Sikar district. The injured—Rajendra, Siddharth, who was driving the vehicle, and Aditya from Uttar Pradesh—were rushed to a nearby hospital, where they are undergoing treatment. Police said the victim's family has been informed, and the body will be handed over after a post-mortem examination.

Following the accident, police urged tourists to avoid overspeeding and night travel in hilly areas, especially during the monsoon season, when slippery roads and poor visibility significantly increase the risk of accidents. Authorities are continuing to investigate the crash.