1 killed, 5 foreign tourists injured as pick-up van falls into 400-ft deep groge in HP

An Israeli woman tourist was killed and five others, including four Israeli nationals and one American national, were injured when their pick-up van fell into a 400-feet deep gorge on the Manali-Leh National Highway today, police said.

The pick-up van was torn into pieces and was recognised from the number plate as it was registered at the barrier while crossing Koksar, they said.

The deceased was identified as Adva Ben Dahan, the police said.

The five injured, identified as Shahar Gesundheit, Itay Silberman and Noa Shkotai,(all Israeli nationals) and Tiffani Brooke Fes, an American tourist, were rushed to the civil hospital in Kullu, they said.

The vehicle was on its way to Leh through Manali-Leh highway which was opened last week after remaining closed for nearly five months due to heavy snow.

The police said a case under relevant sections of the IPC was registered against the driver of the vehicle.