A tragic accident occurred in Bilaspur district of Himachal Pradesh on Tuesday evening when a part of a mountain broke off and fell, with debris landing directly onto a private bus passing on the road. So far, the deaths of 15 people have been confirmed in this horrific landslide, while several others have been injured.
Bilaspur: A tragic accident took place in Bilaspur, Himachal Pradesh, on Tuesday evening when a part of a mountain broke off and fell onto a private bus. At least 15 people have died in this accident, including four members of the same family. Two children were safely rescued from the accident site, while local resident Rahul is still missing. According to information, this bus belonging to Krishna Transport was traveling from Marotan to Ghumarwin. Around 6:30 PM, near Bhallu Bridge near Barthin, rocks and debris suddenly began to fall from the hillside, ripping off the bus's roof and sending it tumbling towards the ravine's edge.
Heavy debris fell directly onto the passengers inside the bus, leading to the instantaneous death of many. After the accident, cries of distress filled the scene, and local residents along with administration teams immediately joined in the relief and rescue operations.
Full Account of the Accident
This tragic incident occurred on Tuesday evening around 6:30 PM at Bhallu Bridge near Barthin. A private bus named "Krishna Transport" was traveling from Marotan towards Ghumarwin. Suddenly, a large part of the hillside broke off and fell onto the bus's roof, completely damaging it and sending the vehicle tumbling towards the ravine by the roadside. With debris falling directly inside the bus, passengers had no chance of escape.
According to eyewitnesses, cries of distress and chaos ensued at the site after the accident. Drivers of other vehicles coming from behind immediately informed the police and administration. Local residents also arrived at the scene and began relief efforts.
Children Rescued Alive, Driver and Conductor Also Among Deceased
With the help of rescue teams and local residents, two children — Aarushi (10 years) and Shaurya (8 years) — were first safely pulled out from the debris. Both have been admitted to a nearby hospital, where they are receiving treatment. Tragically, these children's mother, two cousins, and their mother died on the spot.
According to the police, the bus driver and conductor also died in the accident. Preliminary information suggests that about 35 people were on board the bus, most of whom were local residents. Debris removal operations continued late into the night with the help of JCB machines and NDRF teams.
Chief Minister Expresses Grief, Directs Acceleration of Relief Work
Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has expressed deep sorrow over this horrific accident. Extending condolences to the families of the deceased, he stated, "The state government stands firmly with the affected families during this difficult time. Every possible assistance will be provided." The Chief Minister has instructed the district administration to accelerate relief and rescue operations and to ensure prompt medical treatment for the injured. He continuously monitored the entire situation from Shimla and ordered officials to provide real-time updates.
Deputy Chief Minister Departs for Accident Site
Upon receiving information about the bus accident, Himachal Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Mukesh Agnihotri canceled his Kullu Dussehra program and departed for the accident site. He stated that the government is fully engaged in rescue operations and no affected family will be left alone. BJP National President Jagat Prakash Nadda, State President Dr. Rajeev Bindal, Union Minister Anurag Thakur, former Chief Ministers Jairam Thakur, Prem Kumar Dhumal, Shanta Kumar, and several other senior leaders have expressed deep sorrow over this accident.
In their statements, they said, "This accident is extremely painful. The BJP and the central government stand with the affected families, and every possible assistance will be provided."
Prime Minister and President Express Condolences
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed deep sorrow over the accident, tweeting, "Saddened by the accident in Bilaspur, Himachal Pradesh. My condolences to those who have lost their loved ones. May God grant a speedy recovery to the injured." A statement released by the Prime Minister's Office said that financial assistance of ₹2 lakh would be provided to the next of kin of the deceased and ₹50,000 to the injured from the Prime Minister's National Relief Fund (PMNRF).
President Droupadi Murmu also expressed deep grief over this tragic accident, stating that she stands with the bereaved families and prays for the peace of the souls of the deceased and the speedy recovery of the injured.
