A passenger bus collided head-on with a truck in Ganjam district early this morning, killing one person and injuring more than 15 others.
The accident occurred near a roadside dhaba in Kodala when a private bus travelling from Buguda to Puri rammed into a truck loaded with soft drinks. The impact mangled the front portions of both vehicles and sparked panic among passengers.
The truck driver was trapped inside the vehicle and later declared dead at the hospital. Over 15 bus passengers sustained injuries and were rushed to Kodala Community Health Centre. Two critically injured victims, including a minor whose finger was severed and an elderly passenger in serious condition, were shifted to MKCG Hospital in Berhampur for advanced treatment.
Local sources reported that several passengers were thrown off balance due to the force of the collision. Emergency teams and local residents quickly reached the site and carried out rescue operations. Uninjured passengers were transported to their destinations in other vehicles.
Police arrived at the accident spot and launched an investigation to determine the cause of the crash. Authorities assured that further steps will be taken to prevent such accidents and ensure road safety.
