A massive landslide struck Himachal Pradesh’s Bilaspur district on Tuesday evening, burying a private bus under a torrent of rocks and debris near Barthi village. The bus, believed to be carrying around 30 to 35 passengers en route to Ghumarwin, was caught off guard as the hillside collapsed, crushing the vehicle and leaving it almost completely covered.
Rescue teams, along with local volunteers, rushed to the site, managing to recover 18 bodies by nightfall, while several passengers remain unaccounted for. Among those pulled alive from the wreckage were four survivors, including three children, who were immediately taken to the hospital for treatment.
Witnesses described the horrifying moment when “an entire mountain came crashing down,” leaving little chance for escape. The area had experienced heavy rainfall over the previous days, which is believed to have destabilized the slopes, leading to the landslide.
In response to the tragedy, leaders at both the state and national levels expressed their heartfelt condolences. Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced ex gratia compensation for the families of the deceased and support for the injured, while Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister pledged full government assistance and ordered accelerated relief and rescue operations.
This incident adds to a growing number of rain-related disasters in the Himalayan region this monsoon season, showcasing the vulnerability of communities living in these fragile mountainous areas.
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