Manali’s first snowfall of the season on Monday created a scenic winter wonderland, but it also revealed the dangers of navigating its snow-covered roads.
A viral Instagram video, garnering over 24 million views, captured cars skidding out of control on Manali’s icy, narrow roads. One vehicle came dangerously close to the edge of a gorge, narrowly avoiding disaster.
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The State Emergency Operation Centre (SEOC) said that 87 roads were closed in Himachal Pradesh, including the Atari-Leh National Highway 3 near Rohtang Pass, due to heavy snowfall. Over 800 people stranded in 490 vehicles in Lahaul have been rescued by authorities since Sunday evening. Snow and slippery conditions also halted traffic in upper Shimla.
Bhishan Garg, 49, a tourist from New Delhi, was killed in Lahaul-Spiti district when his car skidded on an icy road. He was trying to overtake the other vehicles, which were unable to move in the jammed traffic. His car skidded out of control and hit a parked tipper. The other three passengers suffered injuries.
In answer to the hazardous weather, authorities have called on drivers to put snow chains in place, drive at low speeds, and avoid overtaking on slippery roads.
