Himachal Pradesh landslide: Bus carrying 40 passengers feared buried in Kinnaur

Shimla: One person has died and around 40 people are feared buried after a landslide in Himachal Pradesh's Kinnaur left many vehicles trapped under debris Wednesday afternoon.

A state roadways bus and several vehicles were buried in the landslide that occurred over on a larger stretch on the highway near Nigulsari, 61 km from Reckong Peo, the district headquarters of Kinnaur.

Sadiq said that several vehicles, including a Himachal Road Transport Corporation (HRTC) bus carrying over 40 passengers, are buried under the debris. The bus was on its way from Reckong Peo in Kinnaur to Shimla, he said.

Saju Ram Rana, SP said, "We have information on a landslide under Bhaba Nagar police station on NH. We are rushing to the spot. ITBP, Police, Home Guards and Rescue team have been deployed. We will give more details after reaching the spot."

However, there was no official confirmation about the number of passengers on the bus.

Reports say the bus was carrying more than 40 people.

Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur told reporters in Shimla that he directed the Kinnaur administration to speed up relief and rescue operations.

"The exact casualties in the landslide are yet to be ascertained. Sensing the gravity of the situation, the NDRF (National Disaster Response Force) has been summoned for rescuing the people," he said.