18 dead after massive landslide buries bus in Himachal’s Bilaspur

In a devastating tragedy, at least 18 passengers lost their lives after a private bus was buried under a massive landslide in Himachal Pradesh’s Bilaspur district on Tuesday evening. The catastrophic incident occurred in the Bhalughat area of the Jhandutta Assembly segment, leaving little hope for survivors.

Bus Buried Under Collapsing Mountain

According to officials, the bus was carrying 30 to 35 passengers and was travelling from Rohtak in Haryana to Ghumarwin when disaster struck. A large section of the hillside suddenly gave way, sending tonnes of mud and rocks crashing down on the moving vehicle.

Rescue teams described a grim scene at the site. “The whole mountain came crashing down on the bus. The chances of survival are bleak,” said a police officer involved in the operation.

Swift Rescue Efforts Underway

Teams from the police, district administration, and State Disaster Response Force rushed to the spot as soon as the incident was reported. Fifteen bodies have so far been recovered from the debris, while rescue operations continue in full swing with the help of JCB machines and local volunteers.

Chief Minister Orders Immediate Action

Expressing deep sorrow, Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu directed authorities to expedite relief efforts and provide all necessary assistance to the victims’ families.

Officials added that intermittent rains have been lashing the region since Monday, increasing the risk of landslides across Himachal’s hilly terrain.

The tragic incident has once again underscored the vulnerability of mountain roads during the monsoon season.