Bilaspur, Himachal Pradesh:
At least 18 people lost their lives and several others were injured when a passenger bus was struck by a landslide in Bilaspur district early Tuesday morning. The tragedy occurred along the Shimla–Mandi National Highway near Swarghat, following heavy rainfall in the region.
Authorities said large rocks and mud slid down a hillside, hitting the bus and trapping several passengers inside. Rescue teams from the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) and local police were quickly dispatched to the site. The injured were taken to nearby hospitals in Bilaspur and Chandigarh for treatment.
Officials confirmed that continuous rain has increased the risk of landslides in the hilly regions of Himachal Pradesh, complicating rescue efforts. Excavators and other heavy machinery have been brought in to clear the debris and restore traffic movement.
Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu expressed his condolences to the victims’ families and announced financial assistance for those affected by the accident.
🌧️ Key Facts:
Incident Location: Swarghat area, Bilaspur district, Himachal Pradesh
Fatalities: 18 confirmed
Injured: Several, currently under treatment
Cause: Heavy rain-triggered landslide
Response: SDRF and emergency teams conducting rescue operations
Authorities have urged travelers to avoid hilly routes until weather conditions improve, as landslide warnings remain in effect across several districts of the state.
