Bilaspur: A devastating landslide struck a passenger bus in Jhanduta area of Bilaspur district in Himachal Pradesh, resulting in multiple casualties on Tuesday (October 7). The moving bus was caught in the landslide when debris and rocks fell directly onto the vehicle, trapping passengers inside. Local authorities reported that approximately 30 people were travelling on the bus at the time of the incident.
Casualties and rescue operations
18 people have been confirmed dead in the tragic accident, while several others sustained injuries of varying severity. Rescue teams immediately rushed to the spot to extract passengers trapped under the debris. The injured have been shifted to nearby hospitals for medical treatment, with some reported to be in critical condition.
PM Modi expresses grief
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed grief over the loss of lives in the tragic accident in Bilaspur, extending his condolences to the affected families and wishing a swift recovery for the injured. He announced that an ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh from the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund (PMNRF) will be provided to the next of kin of each deceased, while the injured will receive Rs 50,000 as assistance.
Police and district administration officials are at the spot and rescue operations are going on in full swing. Whole mountain came crashing down on the bus, said an witness engaged in the rescue operations. Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu and Deputy CM Mukesh Agnihotri have expressed grief over the accident. CM Sukhu directed the officials to expedite the rescue operations, an official statement said.
President Murmu pays heartfelt condolences to affected families
The news of several lives lost in the bus accident caused by a landslide in Bilaspur, Himachal Pradesh, is deeply distressing. My heartfelt condolences go out to the families who have lost their loved ones, and I pray for the speedy recovery of those injured in the incident.
Amit Shah prays for swift recovery of injured
Deeply saddened by the tragic bus accident caused by a landslide in Bilaspur, Himachal Pradesh. NDRF teams have reached the site and are carrying out rescue operations. My heartfelt condolences to those who have lost their loved ones in this tragedy, and I pray for the swift recovery of the injured.
JP Nadda expresses condolences
Mountainous region’s vulnerability
The incident highlights the ongoing vulnerability of Himachal Pradesh’s mountainous terrain to natural disasters, particularly during periods of heavy rainfall or unstable weather conditions. Landslides are a recurring threat in the region, often affecting transportation routes and endangering lives of commuters travelling through these hilly areas.
Emergency response
District administration and police officials have reached the accident site to coordinate rescue and relief operations. Authorities are working to clear the debris and ensure the safe passage of other vehicles on the route. An investigation into the exact circumstances of the landslide is expected to be initiated.
Bus skids off road near Palampur
Meanwhile, a private bus veered off the road on the Pathankot-Mandi national highway, near the CSIR campus in Palampur, Kangra district, Himachal Pradesh on Tuesday. The bus, which was en route from Manali to Pathankot, met with the accident under circumstances that are currently under investigation.
Immediate rescue and medical response
Upon receiving news of the accident, local administration and police swiftly reached the spot to initiate rescue operations. Six passengers sustained injuries and were promptly taken to the Civil Hospital in Palampur, where they are currently receiving medical care.
A case has been registered, and authorities have stated that the precise cause of the accident will be determined following a thorough investigation. Police continue to monitor the situation and will provide updates as more information becomes available.
