On Tuesday evening, at least 15 people were killed and three were rescued after a private bus was hit by a landslide in Himachal Pradesh’s Bilaspur area. Horrifying visuals show the bus deeply buried under the debris of the massive landslide. Several passengers are still feared trapped, and rescue operations are ongoing.
Landslide Hits Bus In Bilaspur, Himachal Pradesh
According to the Hindustan Times, the bus was carrying around 25-30 passengers when the landslide struck it in the Bhalughat area around 6.30 PM. The bus was on its way from Marotan to Ghumarwin when the incident occurred. So far, 15 people have been confirmed dead, including the driver and conductor of the bus.
According to the police, the massive landslide in Himachal Pradesh’s Bilaspur buried the bus under debris and boulders, crushing the vehicle completely. JCB machines have been deployed to clear the area and aid in the search for survivors. The local police, along with the district administration and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) teams, are jointly carrying out rescue operations.
PM Announces Ex Gratia Of ₹2 Lakh
President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi condoled the loss of lives in the landslide mishap in Bilaspur, Himachal Pradesh. Taking to X, the Indian President wrote in Hindi, “The news of the bus accident caused by a landslide in Bilaspur, Himachal Pradesh, resulting in the loss of many lives, is deeply saddening. I express my condolences to the families who have lost their loved ones and wish for the speedy recovery of those who have been injured.”
The PM announced an ex gratia of ₹2 lakh from the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund (PMNRF) to the next of kin of each deceased. Furthermore, the injured would be given ₹50,000 as compensation. The PM said on X, “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.”
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Search and rescue operations are still underway, with authorities urging caution as rain-induced landslides continue to pose a threat in parts of Himachal Pradesh. So, if you’re planning to travel to Himachal anytime soon, please be very careful while planning your trip.
Cover Image Courtesy: X/@chandanrana_inc