Cold weather has wreaked havoc in the valley as fresh snowfall has engulfed two lives and four are reported missing in the tribal Lahaul and Spiti district of Himachal Pradesh.
Two persons succumbed to the cold after being caught in a blizzard at Gramfu near Keylong. A third victim was rescued in a serious condition. All three victims, identified as Shekhar (18), Sanjeev (19) and Neelesh (19) were resident of village Patlikuhal (Jathed) of district Kullu. They were reportedly on their way to Manali via Rohtang Pass in their private vehicle and near Gramphu in the intervening night of 21/22.12.2013, they stuck on way with their vehicle due to heavy snowfall and extreme cold. However after reported missing, administration sent their rescue team, stationed at Koksar, on 22.12.2013. Rescue team brought them back at Rescue Post Koksar.
Due to the extreme cold and high altitude sickness, Sanjeev and Neelesh died, while third victim has survived and is to be airlifted to Kullu today.
Four other persons who reportedly crossed from Koksar on 21.12.2013 at about 06:30 in a private vehicle couldn’t be traced out till now. Though, a Police Rescue team at Keylong and I/Cs Rescue Team Koksar and Mari rushed to the spot. Search of above said persons is continued form both ends i.e. Koksar and Mari, but till now there is no report of them.