Jeypore: At least four people died, and 28 others, including some children, were injured when a bus overturned near Suku Nullha of Dakari Ghati under Baipariguda police limits in Koraput district.
The deceased were from the Niali area of Cuttack district. According to reports, several families from Niali area had hired a bus to visit various temples and religious places in the state. There were more than 40 passengers on the bus.
They were en route to Gupteswar, the famous Shiva shrine of Koraput, after visiting Maa Manikeshwari in Kalahandi the previous day. However, when the bus was crossing the ghat in the morning, it overturned near a canal.
BSF jawans from the Ramagiri 180 battalion were engaged in the rescue operation. Some passengers are feared trapped under the bus.
Meanwhile, Chief Minister Mohan Majhi expressed grief over the tragic incident and announced an ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh for the families of the deceased. Majhi also directed the district administration to ensure free treatment of the injured.
