More than 10 passengers were injured after a tourist vehicle overturned on the Sambalpur–Rairakhol road near Kansar on Friday night, triggering panic among those travelling onboard.
According to preliminary reports, the tourist bus was travelling from Bhubaneswar to Sambalpur when it hit an electric pole and collided with the bridge safety wall, causing the vehicle to overturn. At the time of the accident, 17 passengers were inside the vehicle.
Local residents rushed to the spot immediately after hearing the crash and alerted emergency services. Several passengers sustained injuries of varying severity due to the impact.
Injured Shifted to Hospitals
Of the injured, seven passengers were taken to Sambalpur Sadar Hospital, while the remaining were referred to Burla for further medical treatment. Hospital officials said some patients are under observation, while others are being treated for fractures and trauma-related injuries.
Driver Fatigue Suspected
One of the passengers alleged that the accident may have occurred after the driver briefly fell asleep while driving. According to the passenger, the driver regained control only after the vehicle had already struck the bridge structure.
It was also reported that the vehicle was a 20-seater tourist bus, and several members of the same family were travelling together. One passenger claimed that their mother-in-law sustained serious injuries in the accident.
Ambulance Provides Immediate Assistance
In a notable act of prompt assistance, an ambulance travelling towards Bhubaneswar reportedly stopped at the accident site after spotting the overturned vehicle. The ambulance staff provided immediate first aid and helped transport some of the injured passengers to nearby hospitals before additional emergency services arrived.
Police Begin Investigation
Police have launched an inquiry into the incident and are examining the circumstances that led to the accident. Further details are awaited as the investigation continues.
