8 killed, 34 injured in Odisha bus accident

At least eight people, including two women, died and 34 others were injured after a bus overturned and rolled down a hilly road in Odisha's Ganjam district in the early hours of Wednesday.

The private bus, which was on its way to Berhampur from Tikiri in Rayagada district, overturned and fell off from a height of 30 feet near Taptapani, Ganjam District Collector Vijay Amruta Kulange said.

Initially six persons were found dead. Two more bodies were retrieved after a thorough search of the severely mangled bus, Ganjam Superintendent of Police Brijesh Kumar Rai said. Rescue operation which was carried out on a war-footing was now complete, the SP said.

Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik announced an ex- gratia of Rs 2 lakh each to the next of kin of the deceased, an official in the CMO said. The injured passengers, including women and children, were rushed to Digapahandi Hospital and MKCG Medical College and Hospital in Berhampur.

The condition of eight persons among the 34 injured is stated to be serious, police sid. An injured person was later shifted to SCB Medical College and Hospital in Cuttack.

READ | MP: Four Farm Workers Killed In Truck Accident

Four fire fighting teams from Mohana, Sanakhemundi, Digapahandi and Berhampur have been pressed into service for the rescue operation, State Chief Fire Officer Sukanta Sethi. A Deputy Fire Officer is monitoring the rescue operation at the spot, he said. State Transport Minister Padmanabha Behera said, a thorough probe will be conducted to ascertain the circumstances in which the bus overturned and fell off the road.

A special team will be formed to probe into the mishap. The Regional Transport Officer (RTO) and the Motor Vehicle Inspector (MVI) will verify the documents of the vehicle, he said. While the mishap might have taken place due to poor visibility caused by dense fog, the exact reason will be known after the detailed inquiry, the minister said.

The probe will also examine whether the vehicle followed standard procedures for travelling in foggy condition. "At the moment, our priority is to ensure proper treatment of those injured in the accident", the minister said.

READ | Death Toll In Nashik Bus Accident Climbs To 26: Police

READ | PM Modi, Amit Shah Express Grief Over Nashik Road Accident, Offer Condolences