Himachal Pradesh: Bilaspur landslide kills 15, search ongoing for missing child
**Landslide Strikes Private Bus in Bilaspur, Killing 15**
In a tragic incident in Bilaspur, a landslide struck a private bus in the Balughat area of the Jhandutta assembly segment, resulting in the death of 15 people. The unfortunate event occurred around 6:50 pm, following continuous heavy rainfall in the region.
According to NDRF Assistant Commandant Karam Singh of the Nurpur area, their teams reached the site around 8 pm and conducted a thorough physical search using heavy equipment. “About 18 people were travelling in the bus. So far, 15 bodies have been recovered, two live victims may be retrieved, and one person is still missing,” Singh said. He added that continuous rain was the major reason behind the landslide and that rescue operations will continue until the missing individual is found.
Deputy Chief Minister Mukesh Agnihotri informed that the bus accident occurred due to the landslide when debris fell onto the vehicle, crushing it. “Fifteen people have died, two children are safe, and search is ongoing for one more child,” he stated.
Bilaspur SP Sandeep Dhawal confirmed the ongoing rescue efforts and acknowledged the support of local residents in saving the two children. “Upon receiving information about this incident, police rescue teams, Home Guard rescue units, and fire department vehicles were dispatched to the scene. Locals provided significant assistance in saving the two children,” said SP Dhawal. He also reported that the post-mortem process of the recovered bodies is underway. The missing individual is an eight-year-old boy.
The bus, carrying passengers through the hilly stretch, was suddenly struck by falling debris due to heavy rain in the area. Local administration, police, and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) teams promptly responded to conduct rescue operations.
Among the 15 deceased, the bodies of nine men and four women have been recovered. Two children who sustained injuries have been shifted to AIIMS Bilaspur for medical treatment.
Search operations continue, with the involvement of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), including the use of sniffer dogs, to assist in locating the missing boy.
Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu expressed profound grief over the tragedy and extended heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families. “The state government stands firmly with the affected families in this hour of distress and will provide every possible assistance,” the CM said. Sukhu is closely monitoring the situation from Shimla and remains in contact with the Bilaspur district administration. He has instructed authorities to provide timely updates on rescue and relief efforts.
Officials have deployed heavy machinery at the site to clear debris amid challenging terrain and intermittent rainfall, to expedite rescue operations.
*(With inputs from ANI)*
https://www.mid-day.com/news/india-news/article/himachal-pradesh-bilaspur-landslide-kills-15-search-ongoing-for-missing-child-23597735
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