According to Kullu Police, The happy night of celebration turned deadliest for 4 guys when their car collided with a parked truck close to Bhootnath Bridge located on the Kullu-Manali National Highway.
As per Kullu police report, on January 1st, 2026 at 2:40 AM, the group was returning to Kullu from celebrating New Year’s Eve and a birthday party in Kasol when the accident occurred.
Kullu Road Accident Shocks Community
Fireworks were bursting, music was playing at maximum volume, and everyone had a heartfelt laugh with their friends as they were sprawled out on the ground under the stars in Kasol. Satpal was celebrating his twenty-fifth birthday as he also welcomed the New Year of 2026 with three very special female friends. Between 1 and 3 a.m. on January 1, 2026, the vehicle in which all four girls were travelling back to Kullu sped along the Chandigarh-Manali Highway. Just one kilometre from where they were staying, tragedy struck at the Bhootnath Bridge.
The vehicle started off at a high speed before crashing into a guardrail, flipping over into the oncoming lane, crashing head-on into a parked truck, destroying itself in the process with irreparable damage occurred to the other two vehicles, death claim to 3 friends on impact with the other fighting for his life, only to pass away en route to the next step in life.
With all the commotion, people from all around heard the bang of the accident and arrived on the scene quickly to assist, transporting those injured in the accident to Regional Hospital in Kullu. Unfortunately, by the time they arrived, there was no longer any hope for any of the injured victims. The victims were autopsied and returned home to their families later that day so the families could say goodbye.
Victims of Kullu Bhootnath Bridge Road Accident
Four young friends lost their lives in the tragic crash on January 1, 2026, near Bhootnath Bridge in Kullu, Himachal Pradesh.​
- Satpal (25): Local tattoo artist from Kullu town, ran a studio in Akhara Bazaar; driver of the car returning from his birthday-New Year party in Kasol.
- Ankita (20): From Tandi or Udaipur village in Lahaul-Spiti district.​
- Kashish (20): Resident of Jallugran village or Jari sub-tehsil in Kullu district.​
- Ratanjali (20), also known as Ruchi or Ritanjali: From Sachani village near Bhuntar in Kullu district.​
What Caused Bhootnath Bridge Accident
The cops have placed blame at the feet of the drivers who were speeding on the serpentine roads. The vehicle had lost traction and could possibly have been affected by the humidity or residual effects from the partying that took place on New Year’s Eve. The collision was also aggravated by the parked truck, which did not have working lights. Police are currently investigating the speed of the vehicle, the location of the parked truck, and the mental state of the driver at the time of the crash.
Although police have yet to release any details regarding alcohol, law enforcement remains concerned as New Year’s Eve creates concern for increased speeding and drunk driving. This section of road is particularly dangerous due to its narrow lanes and tight turns. According to eyewitnesses, the sound of the impact reverberated through the canyon.
Highway patrol is gathering information to substantiate any potential charges, while also closely examining the evidence in this case, including: a statement from SP Ramesh Sharma, who witnessed the crash; witness testimony regarding the condition of the vehicle prior to hitting the truck; and any other evidence that may exist, including social media or other videos. According to SP Madan Lal Kaushal, the driver of the car had had a number of near misses before colliding with the truck. Three occupants of the car suffered serious injuries, while one driver was killed.
What Happened During the Accident
The police state that the automobile went out of control next to the road near the bridge and first hit a guardrail. From there, it subsequently collided with a parked lorry that was located next to the highway.
According to Kullu Superintendent of Police Madan Lal Kaushal, three of the victims died at the scene of the accident and one died later as a result of their injuries.
At Kullu police station an FIR has been lodged, and inquiries are continuing to determine what was responsible for the crash, including the possibility that the driver was speeding or lost control of the vehicle.
Himachal Road Safety Crisis Exposed
The scenic landscapes of Himachal Pradesh conceal unknown risks. Kullu District experienced 107 vehicular accidents between January and September of 2025, slightly lower than the 116 accidents reported in the same period of the previous year, but fatalities continue to be reported at high levels. In total during the same period, the state of Himachal Pradesh reported 1,406 motor vehicle accidents, which was a reduction of approximately 9% from the same period in 2024; however, the mountains of Himachal Pradesh cause many fatalities every year.
The New Year period increases vehicular accident risks due to the increase in parties, crowds, and driving at night. Recently, five children visiting nearby Mandi District were injured falling off a cliff on January 1, 2025, while two tourists were fortunate enough to survive a plunge into a river in Kullu District that same day. In Sirmaur District in January 2025, there were 174 reported motor vehicle accidents, with 63 of those resulting in fatalities. Speeding, using cell phones while driving, and not using seatbelts were determined to be the leading contributing factors to vehicle accidents in Sirmaur District in January 2025.
The Government of Himachal Pradesh has declared a Safety Month beginning on January 1, which will include holding eye camps, establishing speed traps, and conducting seatbelt checks. In response to the accidents and fatalities that have occurred in the past, the Chief Minister of Himachal Pradesh has described several recent accidents as "heart-wrenching" and has directed that assistance be provided to the families of the victims.
Road Safety: Why Accidents Like This Happen
Road crashes often involve combinations of:
- High speed at night
- Sharp curves or uneven shoulders
- Insufficient lighting
- Unexpected parked vehicles
- Driver fatigue after celebrations
Experts say that early morning hours have higher risks due to reduced alertness and visibility. Regular safety audits and better roadside reflectors can save lives.
Police Response and Ongoing Investigation
Law enforcement authorities are interviewing eyewitnesses, collecting examples of speed of travel, condition of the brake system, design of the roadway, and details about where the truck was parked. They are also assessing whether any warning signs and/or reflectors indicating the presence of the truck could have aided nighttime drivers.
The outcome of this investigation may help identify potential safety improvement options to reduce the potential for similar tragedies to occur again on Himachal Pradesh highways. Traffic enforcement agencies across the country are under increasing pressure to implement stricter guidelines for the parking of vehicles in high-traffic areas.
Family and Community Reactions
Local residents and friends of the victims gathered near the hospital and accident site, expressing grief and calling for better road safety measures. Many described the deceased as:
- Friendly and energetic
- Well-liked in their communities
- Looking forward to their futures
Community members have urged authorities to increase awareness about safe driving at night, especially on high-altitude and busy tourist roads like the Kullu–Manali Highway.
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