New Delhi [India], October 7 (ANI): President Droupadi Murmu on Tuesday expressed grief over the loss of lives in a tragic bus accident caused by a landslide in Himachal Pradesh's Bilaspur district.

In a post on X, President Murmu said, 'The news of the deaths of several people in a bus accident caused by a landslide in Bilaspur, Himachal Pradesh, is extremely tragic. I express my condolences to the families who have lost their loved ones and pray for the speedy recovery of those who have been injured.'

https://x.com/rashtrapatibhvn/status/1975590564340105361

At least 15 people were killed and several others injured after a private bus was hit by a landslide in the Balurghat area of Jhandhuta subdivision in Himachal Pradesh's Bilaspur district on Tuesday evening.

Meanwhile, the Deputy Chief Minister Mukul Agnihotri informed that 15 people have lost their lives and 18 people have been resecued in the private bus accident in Bilaspur.

'15 people have lost their lives in the private bus accident in Bilaspur. 18 people have been rescued, three of them have been sent to the hospital. It is said that around 25-30 people were on board the bus. I am going to the spot right now...' the Dy CM said.

Additional Deputy Commissioner (ADC) Bilaspur, Om Kant, said that rescue operations are being carried out.

The incident occurred when the private bus, carrying passengers through the hilly stretch, was suddenly struck by falling debris following heavy rains in the region. Local administration, police, and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) teams rushed to the spot to carry out rescue operations.

Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu expressed profound grief over the tragic accident 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,' he said.

The Chief Minister also prayed for the peace of the departed souls and instructed the district administration to expedite relief and rescue operations. He directed officials to ensure that all the injured are immediately taken to hospitals for treatment and provided with full medical care.

Sukhu, who is continuously monitoring the situation from Shimla, is in touch with the Bilaspur district administration. He has also asked authorities to provide timely updates on rescue efforts and relief measures.

Officials said heavy machinery had been deployed at the site, and efforts were on to clear the debris amid difficult terrain and intermittent rainfall. (ANI)