Shimla is finally experiencing snowfall and the valley has transformed into a winter wonderland, perfectly complementing the festive Christmas spirit. As tourists rush to celebrate the holiday season, the valley is getting crowded, more than it can accommodate. In such a context, accidents are pretty common. One such accident happened on the streets of Shimla’s icy road. Thankfully no one was hurt, but the incident was recorded and emphasized the risks of driving on an icy road.
In the video, posted on Instagram, a white Toyota sedan slipped dangerously on an icy road in Shimla. The car’s occupants had a narrow escape as it came to a halt, getting stuck just in time to avoid sliding down the slope and hitting people already walking. The video was uploaded by an Instagram user, Vishal Chauhan, and it shows onlookers watching in shock and surprise as the car skidded and slid along the icy road before eventually coming to a stop.
As per reports, the incident happened at Shimla’s Lakkar Bazaar. As the car got stuck in the road, people rushed to help it. A group of people managed to lift up the car’s wheel and then it went on its way, with no one hurt. Some onlookers also applauded people who helped the car get unstuck.
Credit: Instagram/ @_._vishal_chauhan_
The snowfall brought traffic to a standstill in Shimla, Manali, and other areas, causing significant disruptions. According to news agency PTI, at least 223 roads, including three national highways, were shut down across Himachal Pradesh due to adverse weather conditions. Around 500 vehicles were stranded near the Atal Tunnel, but they were rescued late on Monday.
Onkar Sharma, Additional Chief Secretary (Revenue and Disaster), informed the PTI that four people died in accidents during the past 24 hours and several suffered injuries due to vehicles skidding at some places. In Shimla itself, 145 roads were closed, and certain parts of the city faced power outages.
It is peak tourist season, and places like Manali and Shimla are experiencing too much footfall. Hotels are booked to capacity, marketplaces are bustling, and scenic spots are crowded with tourists. The surge of tourists, while on one side supports the economy of the local artisans and businesses, on the other hand, it also brings challenges such as traffic jams, long waiting times, and overcrowded tourist spots.