A tourist bus from Madhya Pradesh crashed into an electric pole on the Bhubaneswar–Puri National Highway today, injuring six passengers, including one critically.
The bus carried more than 20 passengers, including six women, travelling to Puri for darshan of Lord Jagannath. The driver lost control near Teisipur Chhak under Pipili police limits, causing the vehicle to veer off the road and strike the pole.
Local residents rushed to the accident site after hearing the crash. They alerted police and emergency services, who quickly rescued the injured passengers. The victims received immediate medical attention at a nearby hospital.
Police seized the damaged bus and cleared the highway with the help of a crane. Traffic resumed after a brief disruption. Authorities began investigating the cause of the accident and reminded drivers to follow speed limits and maintain caution while operating passenger vehicles.
The incident highlighted ongoing safety concerns on the Bhubaneswar–Puri NH, a busy route for pilgrims and tourists. Police emphasised the importance of strict adherence to road safety norms to prevent similar tragedies.
In another incident, a driver narrowly escaped injury when his vehicle overturned near the Ghatagaon bypass in Keonjhar district.
