At least 15 people lost their lives when a landslide struck a passenger bus in Bilaspur district of Himachal Pradesh on the evening of October 7. The tragic incident took place in the Balughat area of Jhanduta subdivision after the region experienced heavy rainfall.

According to officials, the landslide caused boulders and debris to crash onto the bus, leaving it completely crushed. The bus was travelling from Marottan to Ghumariwin when the accident occurred around 6:30 pm.

Several feared trapped; rescue teams on site

Police said the landslide was triggered by continuous rainfall, which caused a portion of the hillside to collapse onto the moving bus. “There were about 25 to 30 passengers in the vehicle,” officials said, adding that 15 bodies have been recovered so far from the wreckage.

At least three people have been rescued and taken to a hospital in Berthin for treatment.
Rescue and relief operations are underway with the police, local administration, and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) working together to clear debris and search for survivors.

Bilaspur recorded 12.7 mm of rainfall on Tuesday, as per official data.

PM Modi announces ex-gratia for victims’ families

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed grief over the loss of lives and announced financial assistance for the victims’ families.

“Saddened by the loss of lives due to a mishap in Bilaspur, Himachal Pradesh. My thoughts are with the affected people and their families during this difficult time. Praying for the speedy recovery of the injured. An ex gratia of Rs. 2 lakh from PMNRF would be given to the next of kin of each deceased. The injured would be given Rs. 50,000,” PM Modi said.

Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhwinder Singh Sukhu also expressed deep sorrow and said rescue efforts were being carried out on a “war footing.”

“The news of the devastating landslide near Balughat (Bhalla Bridge) in the Jhanduta Assembly constituency of Bilaspur district has shaken me to the core,” he said.

“Rescue operations are ongoing at a war footing. Instructions have been given to the authorities to deploy their full machinery. I am in touch with the local administration and am continuously receiving moment-by-moment updates on the entire rescue operation. May God grant peace to the departed souls and provide strength to the grieving families. In this difficult time, I stand with all the affected families,” the Chief Minister added.