Tragic Morning on Kalinga Ghat Claims Life of Elderly Woman
A devastating bus accident occurred early Friday morning on the treacherous Kalinga Ghat section of NH-157 in Kandhamal district, resulting in the death of a 65-year-old woman and leaving six other passengers with serious injuries.
The deceased has been identified as Suryakanti Nayak, a resident of Babanapur near Aska. The tragic incident took place when the bus, carrying approximately 25 passengers from Bargarh to Berhampur, overturned and veered off the road.
Emergency Response and Medical Care
Police and fire service personnel from both Bhanjanagar and G.Udayagiri immediately rushed to the accident site to rescue the trapped passengers. The rescue operation was conducted efficiently despite challenging conditions.
Medical authorities faced critical decisions regarding the injured victims. Three passengers with the most severe injuries were referred to MKCG Medical College and Hospital in Berhampur for specialized treatment. The remaining injured individuals received medical attention at hospitals in Bhanjanagar and G.Udayagiri.
Both the bus driver and helper were among those undergoing medical treatment, according to police reports.
Investigation Points to Multiple Factors
While the exact cause of the accident remains under investigation, preliminary findings from police suggest several contributing factors. The driver likely lost control while navigating a sharp curve on the challenging hilly terrain of Kalinga Ghat.
Adding to the dangerous driving conditions, the area was enveloped in dense fog at the time of the accident, significantly reducing visibility for the driver. The combination of sharp curves and poor weather conditions created a perfect storm for tragedy.
Bijay Kumar Swain, IIC of G.Udayagiri police station, confirmed that authorities have seized the bus as part of their ongoing investigation into the incident.
Recent History of Kalinga Ghat Road
The accident site holds additional significance due to recent road closures and repairs. Kalinga Ghat, a crucial link between Ganjam and Kandhamal districts, had only recently reopened to light vehicles on November 1st.
The highway had been closed for approximately one-and-a-half months following massive landslides that struck the area on September 16. The National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) conducted extensive repairs to the damaged sections before reopening the vital transportation route.
Friday's tragic accident occurred approximately 2 kilometers from the previous landslide site, raising questions about road safety measures in the recently repaired section.
This incident highlights the ongoing challenges of maintaining safe travel conditions on mountain roads, particularly during adverse weather conditions and following natural disasters that affect infrastructure stability.
