More than fifteen people were killed and several others are feared trapped in Himachal Pradesh’s Bilaspur district after a private bus was struck by a landslide triggered by heavy rains. The tragic incident took place in Jhanduta’s Balughat area around 6:30 pm on Tuesday, October 7, 2025.

The force of the falling boulders crushed the bus, prompting authorities to deploy JCB machines to recover bodies and rescue passengers still trapped inside.

Preliminary reports indicate that around 35 passengers were on board the ill-fated bus. Both the driver and conductor are among those who lost their lives in the disaster.

Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu expressed deep grief over the incident and assured that the state government would extend all possible assistance to the victims and their families. CM is personally monitoring the relief and rescue operations.

Meanwhile Prime Minister Narendra Modi, too has condoled loss of lives in this mishap and has announced ex-gratia from PMNRF of Rs. 2 lakh to the next of kin of each deceased and Rs. 50,000 for those injured.

Himachal landslide bilaspur bus tragedy heavy rains rescue operations 15 dead trapped passengers sukhvinder singh sukhu