Bhadrak: In a tragic mishap, at least two persons were killed while more than 20 others were left with serious injuries after a bus with around 60 pilgrims from Uttar Pradesh hit a bamboo-laden truck on National Highway- 16 Sunday.
The accident happened when the bus carrying the pilgrims to Puri Srimandir from Barabanki in Uttar Pradesh was trying to overtake the bamboo-laden truck near Charampa in this district, the Inspector-in-Charge of Bhadrak Town Police Station, Dillip Sahu, said.
According to reports, the bus named ‘Amit’ was ferrying as many as 60 pilgrims to Puri to seek the blessings of the Holy Trinity. The driver of the bus lost control and rammed into the rear of the truck, parked alongside the NH near Laxmi Narayan temple at Charampa.
While two persons, including the driver of the bus, died in the accident, more than 20 others suffered injuries injuries, he said. The incident occurred around 2:30AM in the night. The deceased persons have been identified as Ram Sagar Yadav, the driver and Shib Narayan Pati, a pilgrim.
On being informed about the mishap, police reached the spot and rescued the injured persons. They were then admitted to Bhadrak District Headquarters Hospital (DHH).
Five of the injured were later shifted to SCB Medical College and Hospital in Cuttack where his condition was stated to be critical, the police officer said.
An investigation has been initiated, he said. Sub collector Sucharu Bal and Additional Superintendent of Police Kailash Chandra Parida visited the hospital and enquired on the health condition of the injured persons.
This isn’t the first time, pilgrims on their way to Puri have died in road mishaps.
A few days back, five members of a family were killed while six others critically injured when a Tata magic van carrying them plunged into a pit with rainwater alongside Jagannath Sadak in Puri. The victims were proceeding to Puri from Patrapur area in Ganjam district to immerse the ashes of a family member.
PNN