Shimla, Oct. 8 -- At least 15 people were killed when a private bus was struck by a massive landslide in the Bhalughat area of Himachal Pradesh's Bilaspur district on Tuesday evening. Officials said the bus, which was carrying 28 to 30 passengers, was travelling from Marotan to Ghumarwin when the incident occurred around 6.30pm. Jhandutta sub-divisional magistrate (SDM) Arshiya Sharma confirmed the casualties, stating: "15 people were killed in the accident, including the driver and conductor of the bus, and two children were injured. The total number of passengers who were travelling in the bus is yet to be confirmed." The region, which has been experiencing intermittent rainfall since Monday, is facing challenging conditions for rescue operations. "The entire mountain came crashing down on the bus, and the chances of survival for many are bleak," said a policeman involved in the ongoing rescue efforts. Police officials said the landslide, which occurred in the Bhalughat area near Berthin, buried the bus under a mass of debris and boulders. The vehicle was completely crushed. JCBs have been deployed to clear the debris and assist in the search for survivors. Local police, district administration and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) teams have rushed to the spot. Chief minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu and deputy CM Mukesh Agnihotri have expressed grief over the accident.Sukhu directed the officials to expedite the rescue operations, an official statement said. The CM said the government would provide all possible assistance to the victims' families. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has also expressed grief over the mishap. "Saddened by the loss of lives due to a mishap in Bilaspur. My thoughts are with the affected people and their families during this difficult time. Praying for the speedy recovery of the injured," he posted on X. He also announced an ex gratia of Rs.2 lakh for the next of kin of each deceased, while the injured will receive Rs.50,000 from the Prime Minister's National Relief Fund....