Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh today visited Kotpuri in Mandi district where two buses were buried under a massive landslide on Saturday night. He directed for intensifying the rescue and relief measures on war footing. He said the rescue operation would continue until the last body of victim was recovered.The teams of NDRF, Army, Police and Home Guards have been deployed in the operation. As per the reports eight passengers were travelling in the bus enroute Manali to Katra. Out of which three lost their lives while five injured were rescued and admitted at Zonal Hospital Mandi. Two of the injured have been discharged from the hospital.As per the last reports reaching at the State Headquarters, the another bus which rolled down into the gorge has also been traced and so far nine dead bodies were recovered.The Chief Minister distributed immediate relief to next of kin of the deceased and injured.
He said Government would bear expenses on the treatment of the injured passengers.He directed to assess the loss to the property at the earliest so that the sufferers could be provided compensation and other assistance.Shri Virbhadra Singh also met the bereaved family members and expressed his heartfelt condolences. He assured them of all possible assistance in this hour of distress. He prayed for safety of the missing passengers and speedy recovery of those injured.Health Minister Shri Kaul Singh Thakur, Transport Minister Shri G.S. Bali and Rural Development and Panchayati Raj Minister Shri Anil Sharma were also on the spot to monitor the rescue and relief operation.The Health Minister announced financial assistance of rupees four lakh to the next of kin of the deceased while the Transport Minister announced that rupees one lakh would be given by HRTC.