Argus News - Pilgrimage Bus Overturns near Daspalla, Five Dead

Nayagarh, Mar 28: A picnic trip turned tragic near Takera in Khordha-Balangir highway when a bus carrying nearly 50 passengers from Berhampur overturned on the roadside, leaving five people dead, including the driver, and injuring more than thirty others.

The accident occurred near Pithakhai Ghat, shortly after the group had stopped for refreshments at a roadside eatery near Daspalla.

The bus, owned by Anil Travels, had departed from Berhampur on a three-day pilgrimage tour to various religious destinations across Odisha. On the first day, the group was en route to Harishankar in Balangir district when the mishap took place.

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Witnesses reported that the bus lost control while navigating a curve, eventually toppling over. Authorities suspect reckless driving or possible intoxication as contributing factors.

Local police from Daspalla station and fire service personnel rushed to the spot, rescuing trapped passengers and transporting the injured to Daspalla Community Health Centre. From there, many were referred to Nayagarh District Headquarters Hospital for further treatment.

Doctors declared five people, including the driver, dead on arrival. Seven critically injured passengers were later shifted to Bhubaneswar for advanced medical care.

The accident has cast a pall of grief over Berhampur, as all victims hailed from the region. Families of the deceased and injured have gathered at hospitals, while officials are coordinating relief measures. The police have launched an investigation to determine the exact cause of the accident.