At least 15 people have died after a massive landslide struck near Ballu Bridge in Himachal Pradesh’s Bilaspur district on Tuesday, burying a private bus under mud and rocks. Several passengers are feared trapped, and rescue operations are ongoing.
According to officials, the bus, carrying more than 30 passengers, was travelling on the Marotan–Kalaul route when a hillside gave way, sending a torrent of earth and stones onto the vehicle.
Police sources confirmed that four passengers, including a young girl, have been rescued alive, while teams continue searching for others who may still be trapped under the debris. Video footage from the site shows a JCB clearing mud and rocks, and workers attempting to free those caught in the landslide.
Emergency teams, including the police, fire department, and disaster management authorities, have rushed to the scene to conduct rescue operations and remove debris. Officials have warned of challenging terrain and the possibility of further landslides, urging caution in nearby areas.
The incident underscores the risks of landslides in Himachal Pradesh, particularly during the monsoon season, when heavy rainfall often destabilises hillsides.
Authorities continue to assess the exact number of passengers and the full extent of casualties.
