At least five people were killed when a bus carrying around 50 passengers skidded off a flyover on National Highway-16 near Barabati in Odisha’s Jajpur district.
About 38 people were injured in this accident. The bus accident occurred while traveling from Cuttack to Digha in West Bengal. It is said that the accident happened because the driver was under the influence of alcohol.
India Today TV reported that the Chief District Medical Officer of Jajpur confirmed the number of injured. It is also reported that the condition of the driver of the bus is critical.
The injured have been referred to SCB Medical College and Hospital in Cuttack and Community Health Centre in Jajpur, medical officials said.
A local informed the media, “While we were at a nearby bus stand, we observed the bus driver driving recklessly. We suspect that the driver may have been drinking while operating the bus.”
Rescue operations are underway at the accident site by fire brigade personnel and locals.
Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik condoled the death and announced a compensation of Rs 3 lakh each to the families of those who died in the accident.
