Tragedy in Himachal : At least 15 Died – Landslide Buries Bus, Rescue Efforts Continue

A quiet Monday morning in Himachal Pradesh turned devastating when a private bus was swallowed by a landslide in the Balughat area of Jhanduta subdivision, Bilaspur district. At least fifteen lives have been lost, and many more are feared trapped beneath the rubble.

The Santosh Bus, carrying 30–35 passengers from Marotan to Ghumarwin, was crushed under debris just a few kilometers ahead of Bhallu Pul on the Barthi–Shahtalai road. Torrential weather had already been battering the region, and the hillside gave way without warning.

Emergency teams—local police, volunteers, and state disaster units—have been working tirelessly since morning to pull survivors from the wreckage. The injured are being rushed to AIIMS Bilaspur, while residents nearby have been urged to lend support in any way they can.

Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu expressed heartfelt condolences to the families affected, assuring them of full government support. “We stand with the victims in this hour of grief,” he said, while directing officials to ensure swift rescue and top-tier medical care.

With landslide risks still looming, the administration remains on high alert. The hills, for now, are holding their breath.