Himachal Bus Tragedy: 18 Dead After Landslide in Bilaspur, Rescue Operations Underway

A massive landslide in Himachal Pradesh’s Bilaspur district claimed at least 18 lives after a passenger bus was buried under debris. The incident occurred early in the morning when heavy rainfall loosened the hillside, triggering a sudden collapse onto the road. Rescue teams, local authorities, and disaster response forces have been working tirelessly to recover passengers and clear the route. The tragedy has once again highlighted the growing threat of landslides in hilly states during monsoon months.

According to initial reports, the bus was on its routine route when falling rocks and mud engulfed it near the Ghagus area. Eyewitnesses said the landslide struck without warning, leaving little time for passengers or the driver to react. Locals rushed to help even before rescue teams arrived, using basic tools and bare hands to pull people out from the rubble. Several injured passengers were immediately taken to nearby hospitals, while search operations continue for those still missing.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed grief over the incident and announced an ex-gratia compensation of Rs 2 lakh each for the families of the deceased and Rs 50,000 for those injured. Himachal Pradesh authorities have also ordered an investigation into the cause of the landslide and the safety of roads frequently used by buses and heavy vehicles. State officials said consistent rainfall and fragile mountain slopes make such routes increasingly vulnerable.

For residents of Himachal’s hill towns, landslides have become an unfortunate routine. The combination of deforestation, unplanned construction, and intense rainfall has made many roads unsafe. Experts warn that even moderate rain can destabilize slopes already weakened by road widening and infrastructure projects. In districts like Bilaspur, Mandi, and Kullu, commuters often travel with anxiety during the rainy season, fearing unexpected road collapses or rockfalls.

In smaller towns and rural stretches, connectivity is often limited to single-lane mountain roads. A single landslide can block access for hours or even days, isolating entire communities. For families of the victims, this tragedy is a painful reminder that travel in the hills carries real risks. Authorities are now discussing the need for better slope monitoring systems, stronger road reinforcement, and timely warnings to prevent such incidents in the future.

The Bilaspur bus accident stands as another grim chapter in the state’s long struggle with fragile mountain terrain. As rescue teams continue their work and families mourn their loved ones, the larger question remains — how many more such warnings will it take before mountain safety becomes a national priority.