Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi

Shimla, Oct 7: A devastating landslide in Himachal Pradesh’s Bilaspur district claimed the lives of at least 18 passengers when a private bus was buried under a massive cascade of debris on Tuesday. The tragedy struck in the Bhalughat area, part of the Jhandutta Assembly constituency, amid ongoing intermittent rainfall since Monday.

The ill-fated bus was en route from Marotan to Ghumarwin with approximately 35 passengers on board when the hillside gave way, unleashing a deadly torrent of mud, rocks, and rubble that crushed the vehicle.

Rescue operations began immediately, with teams from the local administration, police, and the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) racing to the site. Despite their swift response, the scale of destruction was immense. Officials confirmed that 18 bodies have been recovered from the mangled remains of the bus, while efforts continue to locate any remaining survivors.

Eyewitnesses described a terrifying scene as a section of the mountain suddenly collapsed, leaving almost no time for passengers to react. Hopes for further rescues remain grim.

Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu expressed profound grief over the incident and extended condolences to the families of the deceased. He assured the public that he is in constant coordination with district authorities and has directed all agencies to intensify rescue efforts. The Chief Minister also ordered immediate medical care for the injured and ensured that adequate facilities are in place for their treatment.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi also mourned the loss of lives and announced an ex-gratia payment of Rs 2 lac each to the next of kin of the deceased.

The state continues to battle the impact of unrelenting rains, with landslides posing a persistent threat in hilly regions. Emergency services remain on high alert as recovery operations continue through the night.