A school bus accident in Raighar claimed the life of a 60-year-old biker and injured three schoolchildren on Wednesday morning.
The incident occurred near the petrol pump close to Ganjapara on the Raighar-Kundei main road. A school bus from Biju Patnaik Modern Public School, bearing registration number OR 24E 9024, was transporting students from Hatbharandi, Kundei, Jodinga, and Hiri villages. As the bus approached the petrol pump, it collided with a Luna bike coming from the opposite direction. The biker, identified as Samaru Gand from Turudihi village, died on the spot.
The bike was maneuvering toward the petrol station when the bus struck it on the main road. The impact caused the bus to lose balance and veer dangerously close to a nearby river, narrowly avoiding a larger tragedy.
Among the injured were Himanshu Gond, a first-grade student from Hatbharandi; Mukesh Gond, a third-grade student from Jodinga; and Dharitri Gand, a first-grade student from Hiri. All three were admitted to a local medical facility.
Raighar police reached the scene, seized the bus and the deceased’s body, and launched an investigation. Locals report frequent speeding in the area, contributing to rising accident rates. The school bus accident has reignited concerns over road safety and reckless driving in the region.
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