Nayagarh, Apr 28: At least 20 passengers were seriously injured after a bus overturned at Khedapada near Balugaon in Odisha's Nayagarh district on Tuesday, a source said.

Accident During Route Journey
According to the source, the bus was travelling from Rakama to Nayagarh when the driver reportedly lost control, causing the vehicle to overturn onto the roadside. The exact cause of the accident is yet to be ascertained.

The bus was carrying around 50 passengers at the time of the incident, many of whom were thrown off balance when the vehicle toppled.

Multiple Injuries Reported
Around 20 passengers sustained serious injuries, while several others suffered minor injuries. Locals rushed to the spot immediately and assisted in rescue efforts, pulling out passengers trapped inside the overturned bus.

The injured were immediately shifted to the Nayagarh District Headquarters Hospital with the assistance of ambulances and Fire Service personnel.

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Personnel from Fategarh Police Station reached the spot soon after receiving information and initiated rescue and relief operations. Efforts are ongoing to ensure all passengers are safely evacuated and provided medical care.

Following the accident, the driver fled from the spot, the source informed. A bicycle was found near the accident site, and police suspected that the driver may have lost control of the vehicle while trying to avoid hitting the cyclist.

The incident came to light at a time when road accidents in Odisha have shown an upward trend, with over 27,000 deaths in the past five years (2020-2024), averaging over 5,000 deaths annually.

This story is compiled by Manisha Dhal.