Bhubaneswar: At least 13 Kanwariyas, including the driver, were injured after the Tata Ace vehicle they were travelling in overturned near Mayapatna Square on National Highway-16 in Ganjam district on Sunday.
The driver, who sustained critical injuries in the accident, was later shifted to MKCG Medical College and Hospital in Brahmapur for advanced treatment.
According to reports, the mini truck was carrying the Kanwariyas when the driver reportedly lost control of the vehicle near Mayapatna Square under the Chamakhandi police station limits. The vehicle overturned on the road, leaving all 13 occupants injured.
The injured were rescued and rushed to Chhatrapur Government Sub-Divisional Hospital for treatment. Following an initial assessment, the driver was shifted to MKCG Medical College and Hospital in Brahmapur as his condition was reportedly critical.
The Kanwariyas were reportedly from the Jagadalpur area under the Nimakhandi police station limits. They were travelling towards the Rushikulya River in Ganjam to collect holy water as part of their Shravan pilgrimage.
The pilgrims were scheduled to carry the holy water to Aleswar Shiva Temple and perform ‘Jalabhishek’ as part of their religious observance during the holy month of Shravan.
The accident occurred before the group could reach its destination. The vehicle reportedly lost balance near Mayapatna Square and overturned, injuring all the occupants.
On being informed, police reached the spot and launched an investigation into the incident.
