A tragic accident occurred on the Salapad–Tattapani double-lane road in Himachal Pradesh’s Mandi district after a hillside collapsed during ongoing road construction work, leading to the death of a JCB operator.
The deceased has been identified as Khube Ram (26), a resident of Dundas village under Gram Panchayat Bhatkidharr. According to eyewitnesses, Khube Ram was operating an earthmover machine as part of routine construction work when heavy debris and massive rocks suddenly rolled down from the hillside.
The incident happened without warning, leaving the operator trapped under the debris. He died on the spot before any rescue efforts could save him.
Local residents described Khube Ram as a hardworking, friendly, and experienced machine operator who had contributed to several important development projects in the region. His untimely death has triggered widespread grief in the village, with family members devastated by the loss and mourning spreading across the entire area.
Villagers and public representatives have demanded a fair investigation into the incident and urged authorities to provide adequate compensation and relief to the bereaved family. They also emphasized the urgent need for strict adherence to safety standards at construction sites, especially in hilly regions prone to landslides.
Confirming the incident, Mandi Superintendent of Police Vinod Kumar said that the Nihri Police have registered the case and initiated an investigation into the matter.
