Deadly Bus Crash in Koraput Claims One Life, Injures Over 20 Passengers
A devastating road accident unfolded in the early hours of Saturday in Koraput district, Odisha, resulting in one fatality and injuries to more than twenty individuals. The incident involved an Odisha State Road Transport Corporation (OSRTC) bus that lost control at a sharp bend on National Highway-26 before plummeting into a deep gorge and overturning in the Sunki area.
Victim Identified as Jambab Bihari from Kalahandi District
The deceased has been identified as Jambab Bihari, aged 40, a resident of Balagaon village under the Kalampur block of Kalahandi district. According to police reports, Bihari was rescued in critical condition and rushed to the Pottangi Community Health Centre (CHC), where medical professionals declared him dead during treatment.
Challenging Rescue Operation Amid Darkness and Terrain
The bus was carrying 25 passengers en route from Bhawanipatna in Kalahandi district to Visakhapatnam in neighboring Andhra Pradesh when the accident occurred around 2 am, approximately 3 kilometers from the Sunki police station. Sumitra Jena, the Sunabeda Subdivisional Police Officer (SDPO), detailed the immediate response.
"A police team rushed to the spot immediately after receiving information about the accident around 2 am. Fire personnel from Jeypore and Semiliguda later joined us. Due to darkness, and the bus having plunged nearly 40 feet down the ghat, the rescue operation was extremely challenging," Jena stated. She added that one passenger had become trapped under the bus, complicating efforts.
Injured Passengers Receiving Medical Treatment
Following the crash, the injured were initially shifted to the Pottangi CHC. After Bihari succumbed to his injuries, four critically injured passengers were referred to the SLN Medical College and Hospital for advanced care. Additionally, two other passengers were transported to Visakhapatnam through private arrangements for further medical attention.
Investigation Underway to Determine Accident Cause
Preliminary investigations by authorities indicate that the bus did not collide with any other vehicle or roadside object. Both drivers of the night express bus are currently being questioned to ascertain the exact cause of the accident. However, passenger Bhagirathi Bag, who was seated in the front row, claimed that the driver may have dozed off, leading to the tragic event.
This incident highlights ongoing concerns about road safety on treacherous routes like National Highway-26, particularly during night travel. The community and authorities are urging for enhanced measures to prevent such accidents in the future.
