Himachal accident: Prez Murmu, PM Modi express condolences after 18 killed as landslide hits bus
Tragedy struck the hills of Himachal Pradesh on Tuesday when a private bus was buried by a landslide in Bilaspur, killing 18 passengers and injuring many more. The bus, carrying about 35 people, was on a routine trip from Marotan to Ghumarwin when the rockfall slammed the vehicle into a ravine in the Bhalughat area of the Jhandutta Assembly segment.
Responders from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) were on the scene within hours. “I am deeply saddened by the bus accident caused by a landslide in Bilaspur, Himachal Pradesh,” said Home Minister Amit Shah on X, adding that NDRF teams were working to rescue the missing and treat the injured. State officials have deployed heavy machinery to clear the debris, while rescue teams continue to search for survivors.
India’s leaders have expressed heartfelt condolences. President Droupadi Murmu posted on X, saying, “The news of the deaths in the landslide‑hit bus is extremely tragic. I pray for the families and the rapid recovery of the injured.” Prime Minister Narendra Modi also offered his condolences and announced a relief package: each next‑of‑kin will receive an ex‑gratia payment of ₹2 lakh from the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund (PMNRF), and each injured person will receive ₹50 000. The CM of Himachal, Sukhvinder Sukhu, added his grief and pledged state support to the bereaved families.
The hillside area has experienced intermittent rainfall since Monday, making conditions dangerous and complicating rescue efforts. At this point, police and emergency services have recovered 18 bodies from the wreckage, but the recovery and recovery efforts are ongoing. The incident has sparked widespread concern across India, and authorities are urging residents in the region to stay alert to potential landslides.
Source: ianslive
Stay informed on all the latest news, real-time breaking news updates, and follow all the important headlines in world News on Latest NewsX. Follow us on social media Facebook, Twitter(X), Gettr and subscribe our Youtube Channel.
