A major tragedy was narrowly averted on Wednesday afternoon when a passenger bus carrying over 50 people skidded off the road near Kakharuni under the Pattamundai Rural Police Station limits in Kendrapada district.
While the passengers had a miraculous escape, more than 20 individuals sustained injuries in the mishap.
The incident occurred at approximately 3:30 PM. The private bus, named “Prince” (Registration No: OD 29F 6966), was en route from Kataka to Talachua in Rajnagar.
According to eyewitnesses, the vehicle’s axle suddenly broke, causing the driver to lose control. The bus veered off the road and was on the verge of overturning, but a roadside tree halted its momentum, ultimately saving the lives of the passengers on board.
Immediately following the crash, the driver and helper fled the scene. Local residents quickly gathered to assist before the Pattamundai Fire Brigade arrived to launch a rescue operation.
The injured passengers were promptly rescued and admitted to the Pattamundai Sub-Division Hospital for treatment. The remaining passengers were reported to be safe.
Rajnagar MLA Dhruba Charan Sahoo and Pattamundai Block Chairman Pradyumna Samantaray visited the hospital shortly after the incident. They met with Chief District Medical Officer (CDMO) Dr. Nirakar Parida to check on the condition of the injured passengers and ensure that adequate medical care was being provided.
Police officials from both the Pattamundai Model Police Station and the Rural Police Station have reached the crash site and initiated a formal investigation into the accident.
