SHIMLA, Oct 7 : At least 18 people onboard a private bus were killed including the bus driver and conductor and three others injured after a massive landslide struck the ill-fated bus in the Balughat area of Jhanduta subdivision in Bilaspur district today evening.
The tragedy struck when the ill-fated bus, carrying around 35 passengers, was hit by falling debris triggered by incessant rainfall in the region.
Among the deceased were the bus driver and conductor, officials said.
Rescue operations continued through the night as teams of the police, NDRF, and district administration struggled through heavy rain and unstable slopes to recover bodies and search for survivors.
Authorities fear the death toll may rise further as several passengers remain missing under the rubble.
Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu expressed deep sorrow over the loss of lives, conveying his condolences to the bereaved families and praying for the speedy recovery of the injured. He said the state government stands firmly with the affected families and directed officials to intensify rescue and relief operations.
He also ordered that the injured be immediately shifted to hospitals and provided with adequate medical care. The Chief Minister is personally monitoring the situation from Shimla.
Deputy Chief Minister Mukesh Agnihotri rushed to the accident site after receiving the news, leaving the Kullu Dussehra festival midway. He is supervising the ongoing rescue efforts and coordinating with the local administration.
Leader of Opposition Jai Ram Thakur also expressed grief over the tragic incident and offered condolences to the victims’ families.
The state is witnessing unprecedented rainfall, triggering multiple landslides and blocking several highways, while snowfall in high-altitude regions has further disrupted vehicular traffic.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his condolences, saying he was saddened by the loss of lives due to the mishap in Bilaspur. “My thoughts are with the affected people and their families during this difficult time. Praying for the speedy recovery of the injured,” the Prime Minister said in a post on X.
The Prime Minister also announced an ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh from the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund (PMNRF) for the next of kin of each deceased, and Rs 50,000 for each of the injured. (UNI)
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