Shimla, Oct 7 (NationPress) Tragically, at least 15 passengers lost their lives, while three were successfully rescued following a private bus being struck by a landslide triggered by heavy rainfall in the Bilaspur district of Himachal Pradesh. This area is notably the home district of BJP national President J.P. Nadda.

The region has been experiencing sporadic rainfall since Monday.

This unfortunate incident occurred when the bus became trapped beneath a substantial landslip close to Bhallupul in the Jhanduta subdivision.

Reports indicate that three children were saved and are currently receiving medical attention at the government hospital in Barthin and at AIIMS Bilaspur.

Approximately 35 passengers were on board the bus, which was en route from Marotan to Ghumarwin.

State officials along with machinery have been deployed to clear the debris, and a rescue mission is actively working to locate the missing passengers.

As of now, officials have recovered 15 bodies from the wreckage of the bus.

Eyewitness accounts describe how the mountainside collapsed on the bus, casting doubt on the survival chances of those onboard.

Chief Minister Sukhvinder Sukhu expressed profound sorrow regarding the incident and extended condolences to the grieving families. He has maintained close communication with the district administration while issuing instructions to accelerate the relief and rescue efforts.

The Chief Minister has mandated that the injured be promptly transported to medical facilities and that appropriate arrangements for their care be established.

Local authorities, police, and teams from the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) rushed to the scene to conduct rescue operations, which persisted late into the night.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his sadness over the loss of life in this tragedy, announcing an ex-gratia payment of Rs 2 lakh to the families of the deceased. BJP President Nadda also conveyed his condolences to the affected families.

Nadda stated on X, “The news of multiple casualties and injuries due to a bus caught in a devastating landslide in the Jhanduta area of Bilaspur district, Himachal Pradesh, is deeply distressing.

“I have sought information from Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu regarding the ongoing relief and rescue operations at the accident site.”

“I have requested the Himachal Pradesh Leader of the Opposition Jairam Thakur, state BJP president Rajeev Bindal, and BJP workers to provide immediate assistance to the victims and directed the Bilaspur AIIMS administration to ensure swift medical treatment. I express my heartfelt condolences to the families in mourning and pray for strength for them during this challenging time,” added the Union Health Minister.

Home Minister Amit Shah also conveyed his sympathies, stating, “I am truly saddened by this bus accident. I extend my condolences to those who have lost their loved ones. Additionally, I pray for the swift recovery of the injured.”