A Bhubaneswar-bound minibus rammed into a tree on National Highway-16 near Matiapada in Balasore district, killing one passenger and injuring 14 others, including children.
The victims, residents of Dumduma in Bhubaneswar, were returning home after attending a wedding in Kolkata. The driver reportedly fell asleep, causing the vehicle to lose control and crash into a roadside tree.
The deceased passenger has been identified as Shoaib Ansari. Fourteen others sustained serious injuries in the collision. Ambulances rushed the victims to Simulia Hospital, and those in critical condition were later referred to Bhadrak District Headquarters Hospital for advanced treatment.
Police from Simulia station reached the accident site and began an investigation. Authorities confirmed that fatigue and driver negligence likely triggered the accident.
