At least 18 people lost their lives after a private bus got buried under huge stones and debris in a devastating landslide caused by incessant monsoon rains in Himachal Pradesh’s Bilaspur district. Search and rescue operations are underway in Balughat area of ​​Jhanduta sub-division, where teams are trying to locate survivors and recover remains despite inclement weather.

The tragedy occurred around 6:30 pm on Tuesday, October 7, when the bus going from Marotan to Ghumarwin and carrying 30-35 passengers, most of whom were from Rohtak in Haryana, met with an accident near Bhallu bridge. Heavy rains over the past two days, with Bilaspur recording 12.7 mm rainfall that day, caused an entire hill to disintegrate, completely damaging the vehicle and trapping its occupants. Eyewitnesses reported that “the entire mountain collapsed”, leaving little chance of survival for those buried deep below.

NDRF Assistant Commandant Karam Singh said that so far 18 bodies have been recovered and three injured passengers have been taken to Barthin Hospital for treatment. One person is still missing, due to which efforts are underway around the clock. JCB machines and workers are clearing the debris with the help of local people, although the work has slowed down due to continuous rains. Police, SDRF and district officials are coordinating from the spot, and Deputy Chief Minister Mukesh Agnihotri is present there to monitor.

The incident highlights the vulnerability of Himachal Pradesh to rain-triggered disasters, which have disrupted vital roads and claimed lives in the hilly region. Chief Minister Sukhwinder Singh Sukhu, who was monitoring from Shimla, pledged accountability and gave instructions for immediate relief and medical assistance.

President Draupadi Murmu described it as “deeply saddened” and prayed for the bereaved and the injured. Prime Minister Narendra Modi also expressed grief and announced an ex-gratia of ₹2 lakh from the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund for the families of the deceased and ₹50,000 for the injured. Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath also expressed condolences while emphasizing on national unity.

As dawn breaks, rescue teams move forward and raise hope amid the grief. The disaster has reignited the demand for stronger infrastructure in disaster-prone areas.