Search and rescue operations are underway in Himachal Pradesh after a private bus was caught in a massive landslide in the Balughat area of Jhanduta sub-division, Bilaspur district, late Tuesday night. The tragic incident has claimed at least 15 lives and left two children injured, as authorities continue efforts to recover victims and provide assistance.
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#WATCH | Himachal Pradesh | Visuals from the spot in Bilaspur where a search and rescue operation is underway, the morning after a private bus was caught in a landslide in the Balurghat area of the Jhanduta sub-division, which resulted in the death of 15 passengers. pic.twitter.com/gGk08qxej5 — ANI (@ANI) October 8, 2025
The tragic incident occurred when a private bus carrying passengers through a hilly stretch was suddenly hit by falling debris following heavy rains in the region. Local administration, police, and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) teams immediately rushed to the site to carry out rescue operations.
According to the police, the primary cause of the incident was the heavy rainfall that had been ongoing for the past two days.
NDRF Assistant Commandant Karam Singh said that about 18 people were travelling in the bus when the accident happened. He added that so far, 15 bodies have been recovered, two injured passengers may still be rescued, and one person remains missing.Â
“The incident occurred around 6.50 pm. About 18 people were travelling in the bus. 15 bodies have already been recovered, 2 live victims may be retrieved and as per local authority, one more victim is still missing; our operation will continue until we find the person,” Assistant Commandant Singh said.
JCBs have been deployed to clear debris and aid the search for survivors. Rescue operations were hampered by the continuous rainfall, but local police, district administration, and SDRF teams worked tirelessly to reach the victims.
President Droupadi Murmu condoled the loss of lives. “The news of the deaths of several people in a bus accident caused by a landslide in Bilaspur, Himachal Pradesh, is extremely tragic. I express my condolences to the families who have lost their loved ones and pray for the speedy recovery of those who have been injured,” Murmu said in a post on X in Hindi.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed grief over the loss of lives in the accident and 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, while the injured will be provided Rs 50,000.
“Saddened by the loss of lives due to a mishap in Bilaspur, Himachal Pradesh. My thoughts are with the affected people and their families during this difficult time. Praying for the speedy recovery of the injured,” Modi wrote on X.