Himachal Pradesh Landslide: 18 Killed as Bus Buried Under Debris
Bilaspur, HP: A massive landslide struck a private bus in the Bhalughat area of Bilaspur district on Tuesday evening, killing at least 18 people and leaving several others trapped. The incident occurred around 6:30 pm when heavy rains triggered a mountain collapse that buried the bus traveling from Marotan to Ghumarwin.
The bus was carrying around 30 to 35 passengers, and rescue teams have so far pulled out 18 bodies and rescued three people alive, who were immediately taken to nearby hospitals for treatment. The condition of some of the injured is said to be critical.
Rescue operations are underway on a war footing. Teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), local police, and district authorities are using heavy machinery and excavators to clear the debris.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah confirmed that NDRF teams have reached the site and are leading rescue efforts.
Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, who is monitoring the situation from Shimla, has directed officials to expedite relief operations and ensure that all injured receive immediate medical care. He also flagged off relief material for the affected areas, including essential supplies such as rations, blankets, and tarpaulins.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has announced an ex-gratia of ₹2 lakh from the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund for the next of kin of the deceased and ₹50,000 for the injured.
President Droupadi Murmu expressed deep grief over the tragedy and extended condolences to the bereaved families, praying for the speedy recovery of the injured.
Rescue teams continue to search for survivors amid fears that more passengers may still be trapped under the rubble.
