Bhubaneswar: A bus travelling from Bhubaneswar to Kantamal in Boudh district met with an accident near Jharjhari Ghati at Athamallik when its axle suddenly broke. However, quick thinking by the driver prevented major casualties, and all passengers escaped with minor injuries late Wednesday night.
According to sources, the bus, carrying passengers to Kantamal, experienced a blown tyre near Jharjhari Ghati, causing the driver to lose control. The timely intervention of the driver prevented any major casualties. However, passengers were shaken and spent the night on the roadside.
The passengers alleged that lack of bus maintenance led to the accident and demanded to return the fare. An altercation ensued between passengers and the bus conductor when the latter expressed inability to refund the fare due to online payment.
Later, the bus owner arranged an alternative vehicle to transport the passengers to their destination.
