Yog Raj Sharma
The North News
Shimla, October 7
At least 15 people have been killed after a private bus was buried under debris following a massive landslide in Bilaspur district of Himachal Pradesh on Tuesday evening, officials said.
The tragedy occurred near Ballu Pul in the Jhanduta subdivision, where the bus, carrying around 30 to 35 passengers, was crushed under rocks and mud after a sudden landslide. The vehicle, identified as the Santoshi private bus, was operating on the Marotan–Kalaul route when the hillside collapsed.
Rescue teams from the district administration, the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), and local volunteers have been working through the night to pull survivors and bodies from the wreckage. So far, 15 bodies have been recovered, while several passengers remain missing. Two children were rescued alive and rushed to hospital.
Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu expressed deep sorrow over the incident, extending condolences to the families of the victims. “The state government stands firmly with the affected families and will provide all possible support,” he said in an official statement.
Sukhu has directed officials to accelerate rescue and relief efforts and ensure that the injured receive immediate medical treatment. He continues to monitor the situation from Shimla and remains in constant contact with Bilaspur authorities.
Officials said continuous rain in the region has triggered multiple landslides, heightening risks for rescue teams and local residents.
