Himachal Pradesh Bus Tragedy: 18 Killed After Mountain Debris Falls On Private Bus

Bilaspur: A deadly incident rocked Himachal's Bilaspur district, where mountain debris and shooting stones hit a private bus near Ballu Bridge, resulting in the death of at least 18. According to the police, the bus was carrying over 30 passengers when the debris struck, resulting in the tragic incident.

According to reports, several people are feared trapped under the debris, and rescue teams are carrying out rescue operations to rescue the victims.

The incident reportedly occurred near Ballu Bridge when a massive amount of mud and rocks slid down from a hillside and crashed onto the bus, burying it under heavy debris. The Himachal police stated that several passengers are feared trapped.

According to Bilaspur Deputy Commissioner Rahul Kumar, the bus was operating on the Marotan-Kalaul route when the accident took place. There were over 30 people on board, although the exact figure is not known.

As per the official, three people have been rescued safely, and rescue operations are underway to locate others who may still be trapped. "We have confirmed 18 deaths, and three people have been rescued alive," the deputy commissioner said.

Rescue Operation Underway At the Site

The landslide triggered a massive rescue operation, with teams from the police, fire department, and disaster management rushing to the spot.

A video from the site showed a JCB clearing the debris while several men attempted to rescue the trapped passengers. The video captured the broken-off part of the bus, with the wreckage showing the impact of the mud and rocks hitting the bus.

Meanwhile, Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has expressed condolences over the tragic accident. "I am closely monitoring the situation from Shimla, and I remain in constant touch with the district administration," Sukhu said. "I have directed officials to speed up rescue and relief operations and ensure that the injured are immediately taken to hospitals for proper medical care."

The rescue operation is being led by the district administration, with the police and local administration making efforts together to clear the debris and locate any survivors. The Chief Minister has assured that all possible assistance will be provided to the affected families. 

PM Modi Expresses Grief, Announces Ex-Gratia

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his grief over the incident and announced ex-gratia to the victim’s family. In a post on X, PM Modi, “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.”

"An ex-gratia of Rs. 2 lakh from PMNRF would be given to the next of kin of each deceased. The injured would be given Rs. 50,000,” the prime minister stated. 

Further details regarding the incident are awaited.