At least 18 people lost their lives after a devastating landslide struck Himachal Pradesh’s Bilaspur district on Tuesday, engulfing a private bus under a heap of debris. Several others are feared trapped as rescue teams continue to search the site.

The tragedy occurred near Ballu Bridge when a large section of a hillside collapsed, sending mud and boulders crashing onto the road and burying the passing bus. The vehicle, which was reportedly carrying over 30 passengers on the Marotan–Kalaul route, was completely crushed under the debris.

Bilaspur Deputy Commissioner Rahul Kumar confirmed that 18 bodies have been recovered, while three passengers were rescued alive. Search operations remain underway to locate more victims.

Visuals from the site showed rescue workers and locals using heavy machinery to remove the rubble. The mangled remains of the bus revealed the sheer force of the landslide, with large rocks strewn across the area.

PM Modi, CM Sukhu Express Condolences

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed deep sorrow over the incident and announced an ex-gratia of ₹2 lakh each for the families of the deceased from the PM Relief Fund, while those injured will receive ₹50,000 each.

Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu termed the incident “heart-wrenching” and assured that rescue efforts are being conducted on a war footing.

“All available resources have been deployed. I am personally monitoring the rescue operations and receiving real-time updates,” CM Sukhu said on X.

Deputy Chief Minister Mukesh Agnihotri is en route to Bilaspur to oversee relief measures. Officials from the disaster management, fire services, and police are coordinating efforts to clear debris and provide aid to survivors.

Authorities suspect that the recent spell of heavy rain may have loosened the hillside soil, triggering the deadly landslide.