Jajpur. A bus carrying devotees from West Bengal going to Puri for the darshan of Lord Jagannath met with an accident in Jajpur district of Odisha on Friday morning. The bus collided from behind with a truck parked on the roadside on National Highway-16 in Badachana police station area. There were about 55 pilgrims in the bus. Many people have been injured in the accident.
Accident happened near Badachana overbridge
The accident occurred near Barachana Overbridge between 5 and 6 am on Friday. The bus was going to Puri carrying passengers from Medinipur area of West Bengal. During this time she collided with a truck parked on the roadside. The collision was so strong that the front part of the bus was damaged and there was panic among the passengers.
The vehicle was parked on the roadside due to a punctured tire of the truck.
According to preliminary information, the tire of the truck was punctured, due to which it was standing on the roadside near the overbridge. Some local reports have expressed suspicion that the bus driver may have lost control due to a nap. However, the actual cause of the accident is yet to be officially confirmed.
Injured were taken to hospital, condition of two is critical
As soon as information about the accident was received, Badachana police and local people reached the spot. While carrying out relief and rescue operations, the injured were taken to Barachana Community Health Centre. Initial reports suggested at least nine passengers were injured, while some local updates put the number of injured at 16. Two seriously injured passengers were sent to SCB Medical College and Hospital, Cuttack for better treatment.
Arrangement of second bus for remaining passengers
After the accident, the police arranged for another bus to take other passengers to their destination. The causes of the accident are being investigated. At present there has been no confirmation of anyone's death.