Tragedy Strikes Bilaspur as Landslide Engulfs Bus
A private bus carrying an estimated 25 to 35 passengers was tragically engulfed by a massive landslide in the Bhalughat area of Bilaspur district, Himachal Pradesh, on Tuesday evening, October 7, 2025. The devastating incident, which occurred around 6:30 PM to 6:40 PM near Berthin in the Jhandutta subdivision, has claimed the lives of 16 individuals. The landslide was reportedly triggered by heavy and intermittent rainfall that had been lashing the region since Monday, causing a significant portion of the mountainside to collapse onto the moving vehicle.
Intensive Rescue Operations Underway
Following the calamity, immediate and extensive rescue and relief operations were launched. Locals, police, district administration officials, the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), and two teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) were deployed to the site. Rescue efforts involved the use of heavy machinery, including JCBs and excavators, to clear the massive debris and boulders that had buried the bus. Dog squads were also pressed into service to aid in locating those trapped. Operations were temporarily halted late Tuesday night due to poor visibility and continued mudslides but resumed at daybreak on Wednesday. Among those rescued were two children, Arushi and Shaurya, who received treatment at AIIMS Bilaspur.
Casualties and Official Response
The death toll rose to 16 after the recovery of a child's body on Wednesday morning. The deceased include 9 men, 4 women, and 3 children. The bus was en route from Marotan to Ghumarwin, though some reports indicated its origin as Rohtak, Haryana.
Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu expressed profound grief over the incident and directed officials to expedite rescue efforts. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, President Droupadi Murmu, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, and BJP President J.P. Nadda also extended their condolences to the affected families. Prime Minister Modi announced an ex-gratia relief of ₹2 lakh from the Prime Minister's National Relief Fund (PMNRF) for the next of kin of each deceased and ₹50,000 for the injured. The Himachal Pradesh government further announced an ex-gratia payment of ₹4 lakh to the families of each victim. A magisterial inquiry has been ordered to ascertain the circumstances leading to the tragic event.
9 Comments
Katchuka
This is a systemic failure of infrastructure and planning. Our roads are death traps.
Eugene Alta
The rescue operations were commendable given the extreme circumstances, but this tragedy underscores the persistent challenges of ensuring road safety in hilly terrains. More proactive measures are clearly needed to prevent future incidents.
Noir Black
The government's immediate financial aid is a small comfort, but crucial for the affected families.
Karamba
Glad to see swift action from the SDRF and NDRF. Every effort counts in these tragedies.
Coccinella
While heavy rains are undeniably a natural trigger for landslides, we also need to critically examine the impact of unregulated construction in mountainous regions. This could exacerbate the risks for commuters.
Katchuka
A truly devastating incident. We must all stand in solidarity with Himachal Pradesh.
lettlelenok
It's devastating to see so many lives lost due to what seems like a natural calamity, yet one has to wonder if better geological surveys and early warning systems could have identified high-risk zones more effectively to avoid such routes.
ytkonos
Another landslide, another tragedy. When will authorities prioritize road safety in these vulnerable areas?
dedus mopedus
Heartbreaking news. My thoughts are with all the victims and their families during this incredibly difficult time.