At least 25 persons sustained injuries, including 15 students, after the bus they were travelling in overturned at Mukundapur Ghati on National Highway 326 in Rayagada district’s Kolnara block.
The bus carrying more than 40 passengers was en route from Brahmapur to Rayagada and Tikiri when the accident occurred.
Among the injured were 15 students from Kolnara Adarsha Vidyalaya, traveling to attend their school examinations. Unfortunately, one of the students suffered a fractured hand. All injured passengers were immediately rushed to the Kolnara Community Health Centre and Rayagada District Headquarters Hospital for treatment. Thankfully, no critical injuries were reported, and those with minor wounds were discharged after receiving first aid.
The site of the accident, Mukundapur Ghat, has been the scene of repeated mishaps due to narrow roads. Local residents have urged National Highway authorities to widen this hazardous stretch to prevent future accidents. Senior BJD leader B. Tirupati criticized the authorities for neglecting the safety of travelers despite over 50 minor accidents in the area.
