Bhubaneswar: Dharmasala police on Tuesday registered a case against the bus driver who fled the scene following the road accident at Barabati Chhak in Jajpur district which claimed five lives last night.
According to sources, the bus named ‘Kalia Nana’ which was on its way to Digha in West Bengal from Puri skidded off the flyover and fell 20 feet below near Barabati chhak in Jajpur district after its driver lost control over the wheel.
Soon after the mishap, the driver is reported to have fled the scene. Meanwhile, police registered a case in this connection and launched a manhunt for the driver.
Earlier on the day, Additional Commissioner Transport, Lal Mohan Sethi blamed the bus driver for the accident saying negligence on part of the driver led to the unfortunate mishap.
“The accident might have occurred due to rash driving. Or the driver might be busy talking over the phone while driving which led to the unfortunate mishap. Besides, chances of overtaking a vehicle by the driver cannot be ruled out as one of the reasons behind the mishap,” said Sethi adding that “The bus was in good condition, having been registered in 2020 and recently cleared for fitness in March.”
The bus carrying over 40 passengers was going to Haldia from Puri when the mishap took place. The mishap left five dead and 20 injured.
Fire Services personnel and locals launched rescue operations soon after the mishap and rushed the injured to Dharmasala Community Health Centre.
Expressing concern over the incident, the Odisha government announced ex gratia of Rs 3 lakh each for the kin of the deceased.
