TNR News Network
Bilaspur:
The d*eath toll in the bus accident near Bhallu bridge in the Berthin area of Bilaspur district in Himachal Pradesh has climbed to 16 after rescue teams recovered the body of a missing child on Wednesday (October 8, 2025) morning.
The accident, which occurred on Tuesday evening, has plunged the region into mourning. The rescue operation, led by teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), Quick Response Team (QRT) and Home Guards, faced significant challenges due to continuous rain and debris falling from the hillside. The operation had to be halted around 2.30 am due to safety concerns but resumed at 6.40 am.
Despite the difficult conditions, teams worked through the night, eventually locating the missing child’s body at around 10 am. All 16 bodies have now been recovered and moved to the Community Health Centre (CHC) in Berthin for post-mortem, which began at 7 am.
2 children injured, discharged after treatment
In addition to the deceased, two children — a boy and a girl — sustained minor injuries. They were treated at AIIMS-Bilaspur and discharged around 4.30 am, after which they were taken home by their father. Health officials, under the supervision of the Chief Medical Officer (CMO), had arranged for additional doctors to manage the post-mortem and medical response.
Former Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur visited the site on Wednesday morning to assess the situation and extend condolences.
Relief efforts underway, area mourns victims
Authorities have handed over the bodies to their families after identification. As an immediate relief measure, the administration has provided Rs 25,000 to the next of kin of each deceased. Further financial aid will be processed under the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) guidelines.
The accident has left the village of Bhallu and surrounding areas in deep mourning. Local residents, along with administrative officials, continue to assist in relief and rehabilitation efforts.
The deceased include Bakhshi Ram (Bhallu); Narendra (Chhat); Krishan Lal (Thapna Narli); Rajneesh, Chunni (Barad); Sonu (Kachyut); Sharif Khan (Malangan); Bimla (Den); Aarav, Kamlesh, Anjana, Naksh (Phagog); Praveen (Dohag); Kanta Devi (Siyotha) and Sanjeev (Maid).
