Himachal: At least 15 killed as two buses hit by massive landslides; several feared trapped

Two Himachal roadway buses were hit by a massive landslide triggered by a cloudburst on the Mandi-Pathankot National Highway, leaving 15 passengers dead while the fate of 22 others was not immediately known.

The incident took place on Saturday late night. One of the buses was going from Manali to Katra and another from Manali to Chamba.

The landslide swept away the road and the buses for almost 800 metres down into a gorge and there was no trace of one of the buses which was completely buried under the debris so far.

The Army and NDRF teams have reached the spot and started rescue operation along with the police, administration and local people. The IG central range and Deputy Commissioner and SP are on the spot, he added.

The injured were rushed to a nearby hospital for medical treatment. However, the details of the victims and injured are awaited.

"The rain has hampered the rescue operation which is making it tough for the police and home guard," said Deputy Commissioner of Mandi, Sandeep Kadam.

Himachal Transport Minister GS Bali said that at least 50 are feared to have washed away. He also said that the rescue operations is going on war footing.  “Rescue operations is on since 2:00 am and I am in constant touch with the authorities,” he said in a Facebook post.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi prayed for the quick recovery of those injured.

"I pray for the quick recovery of those injured in Mandi district, Himachal Pradesh. A Team of @NDRFHQ is going to Mandi to take part in the rescue and relief operations and provide all possible assistance required," PMO tweeted.