A late-night bus accident in Rayagada district left more than 20 passengers injured, highlighting the dangerous condition of National Highway 326.
The private bus, Golden Rock, was traveling from Gunupur to Jeypore when it lost control and overturned due to a large pothole on the rain-soaked highway.
Eyewitnesses reported that the bus was moving at high speed when one of its wheels fell into a deep pothole, causing the vehicle to tip sideways. The bus was carrying over 30 passengers, many of whom sustained minor injuries.
Rayagada and Kumbhikota police responded swiftly, evacuating the injured and admitting them to the district headquarters hospital. Medical officials confirmed that all passengers are now stable and out of danger.
Local residents have long complained about the deteriorating condition of NH-326, which has become a hotspot for accidents. Despite repeated appeals, the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has allegedly failed to address the issue.
The incident has reignited calls for urgent road repairs and better highway safety measures in southern Odisha.
