A major road mishap unfolded Sunday night as a passenger bus travelling from Cuttack to Bari lost control and overturned on NH 16 near Mulapala Chhak in Jajpur district at around 8:40 PM.
The accident left more than 20 passengers injured, eight of whom were critically hurt and have been transferred to SCB Medical College and Hospital in Cuttack.
The injured were swiftly rescued by Kuakhia police and admitted to Dharmasala and Madhuban Community Health Centres. Identified victims include Natabar Das (58), Uma Rani Das (55), Ranjan Das (17), Himanshu Das (12), Minarani Das (58), Shanti Samal (60), Chandramani Samal (40), and others from various parts of Jajpur and Kendrapara districts.
Local MLAs Biswaranjan Mallik (Bari) and Himansu Sekhar Sahu (Dharamsala), along with former chairperson Kisan Panda, reached the health centre to check on the victims’ conditions. Discussions with the attending doctor, Dr. Manas Swain, led to the immediate decision to shift critical patients to Cuttack for specialised treatment.
Police officials, including SDPO Pushpalata Barik, Kuakhia IIC Chinmayee Sahu, and Dharamsala IIC Ranjan Kumar Majhi, were present at the site and are investigating the incident. No fatalities have been reported so far.
This marks yet another tragic reminder of road safety concerns on NH-16, and authorities are urging enhanced monitoring and driver caution to prevent future mishaps.
