Tragic Landslide in Himachal Pradesh Claims Lives of 15 Passengers

Landslide Incident in Bilaspur District

On Tuesday evening, a devastating landslide in the Bhalughat region of Himachal Pradesh's Bilaspur district resulted in the deaths of at least 15 individuals, with many others potentially trapped beneath the rubble. Reports indicate that a private bus was hit by falling boulders and debris during the incident.

As rescue efforts continue, there is concern that the number of casualties may increase. Fortunately, three children have been successfully rescued and are currently receiving medical attention at a hospital in Barthin village.

The bus, operated by a private company, was a 32-seater vehicle traveling from Marotan to Ghumarwin, carrying approximately 30 passengers at the time of the accident, according to statements from Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu.

Bilaspur's Superintendent of Police, Sandeep Dhawal, noted that the location of the landslide was not classified as a landslide-prone area. He mentioned that while there have been rare instances of stones falling in the past, this particular hill had no significant history of landslides. The heavy rainfall on that day is believed to have destabilized the soil, leading to the collapse of the hilltop onto the bus.

In response to this tragedy, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has declared an ex-gratia payment of Rs 2 lakh from the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund for the families of the deceased, along with Rs 50,000 for those who sustained injuries.