At least four children were injured after an auto-rickshaw ferrying school students overturned near Paduna Chhak under the Arjunpur area in Balasore district.
According to local sources, the vehicle was en route to Arjunpur Adarsha Vidyalaya when it lost balance and flipped. Among the injured were three female students and one male student, all of whom sustained moderate injuries.
Bystanders rushed the victims to Basudevpur Medical Centre, where they are currently being treated. Initial investigation hints at driver negligence or possibly overspeeding as the cause of the accident.
The incident has raised questions about the safety of daily school commutes, especially in rural areas where autos and private vehicles are often the only mode of transport. Locals demand stricter enforcement of traffic regulations and regular checks on school transport arrangements.
Police have launched a probe to determine the exact cause of the mishap and are expected to record statements from eyewitnesses and the auto driver once medically evaluated.
