Shimla, India—Three people were killed Thursday in a violent head-on car collision on a mountain highway in Himachal Pradesh. The crash occurred during the afternoon when two vehicles traveling in opposite directions collided on a sharp turn. Emergency responders arrived to find both vehicles severely damaged, with debris blocking the narrow mountain route.

All three occupants of one vehicle were pronounced dead at the scene. Paramedics transported two survivors from the second vehicle to the nearest district hospital, where they remain under medical care. Local police have cordoned off the area to facilitate the removal of the wreckage and restore limited traffic flow.

Preliminary reports indicate that slick road conditions may have contributed to the loss of control on the winding path. Authorities are currently examining skid marks and vehicle positions to reconstruct the final moments before the impact. Officers have also requested statements from nearby residents who witnessed the collision.

The highway remains a high-risk zone due to its steep gradients and lack of guardrails in several sectors. Officials have previously discussed safety upgrades for this specific stretch of road, but progress has been slow. This incident is the latest in a series of accidents that have highlighted the dangers of mountain driving during the peak tourist season.

The bodies of the victims have been transferred to the local morgue for post-mortem analysis. Police are currently working to notify family members while continuing their on-site investigation. No formal charges have been filed against the surviving driver pending the results of the forensic examination.

Traffic congestion persisted for several hours as crews struggled to navigate the heavy wreckage away from the cliff edge. Local police have advised all motorists to exercise extreme caution while traveling through the region. The state government has pledged a formal review of road safety standards in response to the tragedy.

Evidence collection continued through the evening to ensure all factors were documented. Investigators are checking vehicle maintenance records to determine if mechanical failure played a role. The mountain pass remained partially blocked while authorities finalized their scene report.

The investigation will proceed with a focus on determining liability for the collision. Local officials maintain a visible presence to manage the flow of traffic and prevent further incidents. There is no timeline for when the road will be fully cleared and normal operations resumed.