Key Points:
A landslide in Bilaspur district, Himachal Pradesh, on October 7, 2025, struck a private bus.
At least 15 people were killed and two children were injured in the accident.
PM Modi, President Murmu, and CM Sukhu expressed grief and announced compensation for victims’ families
A devastating landslide struck a private bus in Bilaspur district, Himachal Pradesh, on the evening on 7 October, 2025. The incident resulted in at least 15 deaths. Rescue teams recovered bodies from the wreckage. The bus was carrying 25 to 30 passengers.
Debris and stones completely crushed the bus roof. The accident occurred in Bhalu, near Barthi. Heavy rainfall triggered the Himachal Pradesh landslide.
Search operations continued for an eight-year-old boy reported missing. Two children survived but sustained injuries. Police and fire department teams responded quickly to the scene. and the State Disaster Response Force (SDFR) also joined the effort.
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Bilaspur SP Sandeep Dhawal confirmed 15 fatalities. Nine men and four women were among the deceased and two children who were injured were admitted to AIIMS Bilaspur immediately. Identified victims included Rajneesh Kumar and Sarif Khan. Others were Chunni Lal, Rajeev alias Sonu, Krishan Lal, and Narender Sharma.
The bus was traveling from Marotan to Ghumarwin when witnesses reported rocks falling suddenly from the hillside. The impact pushed the bus toward a ravine’s edge.
Deputy Chief Minister Mukesh Agnihotri visited the site. He reported 18 people recovered, including the deceased. The search focused on the missing child. Agnihotri noted the debris crushed the bus due to the landslide’s timing.
Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu monitored operations from Shimla. Sukhu ensured the injured received immediate hospital treatment and promised state support for affected families. The government committed to providing full assistance.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed grief over the Bilaspur tragedy. He announced Rs 2 lakh for each deceased’s family. The funds will be disbursed from the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund. Injured passengers will receive Rs 50,000 each.
President Droupadi Murmu described the incident as deeply saddening. She offered condolences to bereaved families and prayed for the speedy recovery of the injured. Union Home Minister Amit Shah confirmed NDRF teams supported rescue operations.
Himachal Road Transport Corporation’s Sandeep Sankhyan consulted police and has confirmed 15 casualties, including nine men so far. Four women and two children were among them. The driver and conductor also perished.
The tragedy underscores landslide risks in Himachal Pradesh and indicates how heavy rains frequently weaken hilly slopes. Experts highlight unregulated construction as a contributing factor. Travel in such areas remains hazardous. Bilaspur recorded 12.7 mm of rain on October 7. Snowfall occurred in parts for days prior.
Officials used JCB machines to clear boulders. Rescue operations concluded late Tuesday night. Post-mortems were conducted on recovered bodies. The incident deeply impacted local communities. Authorities urged caution during monsoon season as similar incidents have occurred in the region previously. [Rh/Eth/VS]
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