Odisha: 5 killed, 30 injured as tourist bus overturns
What's the story
A tragic accident in Odisha's Nayagarh district claimed the lives of five people and left over 30 others injured, according to a report by PTI. The incident took place near Hanumanghati on a ghat road when the bus lost control and hit a rock. The ill-fated vehicle was en route from Brahmapur to Harishankar Temple in Balangir when it met with the accident.
Ongoing probe
Five deceased identified as Berhampur residents
The deceased have been identified as Hari Patra, Laxmi Patra, Suprabha Sahu, her daughter Sumati and the driver Prabin Kumar Sahu. All were residents of Berhampur. Eyewitnesses reported scenes of chaos after the accident, with passengers being thrown out of their seats and some getting trapped under the bus. Locals and police personnel launched immediate rescue operations to help those injured in this tragic incident.
Passenger testimonies
Passengers allege speed over 100km/h
Passengers on board alleged that the bus was speeding unsafely when it overturned. "The bus was at a very high speed, possibly over 100km/h, on the ghat road," said Arya Patra, an injured passenger. Another passenger, Santosh Pradhan, said they had hired the bus from Berhampur for a trip to Harishankar in Balangir district.
Government aid
Odisha CM announces ₹4L ex gratia compensation
Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi expressed his condolences to the families of the deceased and announced ₹4 lakh ex gratia from the Chief Minister's Relief Fund (CMRF) for their kin. Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida also expressed her grief over the incident. "I pray to Lord Jagannath for the eternal peace of the departed souls and the speedy recovery of the injured," she said in a social media post.