Officials fear the death toll may rise as rescue operations continue late into the night. (Photo: X/ANI)
A devastating landslide triggered by heavy rain in Himachal Pradesh’s Bilaspur district claimed the lives of at least 15 people on Monday evening. The tragic incident occurred when a bus carrying around 30 passengers was buried under huge boulders in the Balughat area of Jhanduta subdivision. Officials fear the death toll may rise as rescue operations continue late into the night.
The private bus, traveling from Marottan to Ghumarwin, came under a sudden landslide around 6:30 pm. Massive rocks from the hillside crashed onto the vehicle, trapping passengers inside. Eyewitnesses said the bus was completely crushed under the debris within seconds.
Locals rushed to the spot immediately and began rescue efforts before police and disaster relief teams arrived. Authorities later deployed excavators to tear open the bus roof and pull out trapped passengers.
By 9 pm, officials confirmed that four people, including two children, were rescued alive. Sadly, most of the other passengers succumbed to injuries caused by the impact of falling boulders.
A police official from Shimla said, “An entire portion of the mountain fell on the bus, which belonged to a private transport operator.”
Area SDM Arshiya Sharma said the injured were taken to a hospital in Berthin village. She added, “Rescue operations are continuing on a war footing.”
Teams from the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) and local administration are still clearing debris to locate more survivors.
Chief Minister Sukhwinder Singh Sukhu expressed deep sorrow over the loss of lives and assured full support to the victims’ families.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi also expressed condolences and announced a compensation of ₹2 lakh each for the families of the deceased. He said the nation stands with Himachal Pradesh during this tragic time.
Himachal Pradesh has been witnessing continuous rain for several days, leading to frequent landslides and road blockages. Experts say deforestation and road construction in fragile hill regions often worsen such disasters.
Authorities have urged residents and travelers to stay cautious, avoid unnecessary travel, and follow weather advisories. The rescue operation in Bilaspur is expected to continue through the night as teams search for any remaining survivors.
