Shimla, Oct 8 (UNI) Relief and rescue operations following a bus accident in which 16 people died on Tuesday at Bhallu village in Bilaspur district formally concluded today afternoon, said Deputy Commissioner, Bilaspur, Rahul Kumar.
He stated that the accident took place yesterday around 6:40 pm when a private bus travelling on the Marotan-Ghumarwin route was caught in a landslide. Among the deceased were nine men, four women, and three children.
Two children, Shaurya and Arushi, sustained minor injuries and were discharged from AIIMS Bilaspur this morning after receiving treatment.
All victims have been identified, and post-mortem procedures were completed at Barthin Community Health Centre.
To expedite the process, additional doctors were deployed by the Chief Medical Officer, Bilaspur. The bodies of the deceased have been handed over to their families.
The district administration has provided an immediate relief of Rs 25,000 to each bereaved family, and further financial assistance is being processed under SDRF guidelines. Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu expressed deep sorrow over the tragic incident and conveyed his condolences to the affected families.
Deputy Commissioner Rahul Kumar and Superintendent of Police Sandeep Dhaval visited the homes of the surviving children, Shaurya and Arushi, to check their well-being and extended support to families who lost their loved ones.
They said the district administration remains committed to providing timely assistance to all affected families during this difficult time.
The Deputy Commissioner also informed that all aspects of the accident are under investigation and special surveillance has been initiated on sensitive routes to ensure traffic safety.
Deputy Commissioner Rahul Kumar expressed gratitude to the NDRF, police, health department, Home Guard, and local residents who worked tirelessly overnight under challenging conditions to successfully carry out the relief and rescue operations.
Additional Deputy Commissioner Omkant Thakur, Superintendent of Police Sandeep Dhaval, and Sub-Divisional Officer, Jhandutta, were also present during the visit.
Meanwhile, cremation of four people, including two women, was performed at Bhalu bridge this afternoon. Shaurya, the youngest member of the family lit the pyres in presence of hundreds of local people and their relatives.
On the other hand, HP Technical education Minister Rajesh Dharmani and leader of opposition Jai Ram Thakur also visited the families of the deceased and consoled them.
