Bhubaneswar: Odisha Commerce and Transport Minister Bibhuti Bhushan Jena expressed grief over the tragic accident involving a pilgrim bus from Uttar Pradesh near Jaleswar in the Balasore district.
In line with the Minister’s directives, departmental officers and local authorities provided comprehensive assistance to the victims. The rescue and relief operations were closely monitored by the Transport Commissioner, District Collector, and Superintendent of Police.
The accident led to the unfortunate deaths of four passengers including a woman and three men. The Commerce and Transport Department has arranged to transport the bodies to their respective homes in Uttar Pradesh. In addition, twelve injured passengers, initially admitted to Balasore District Headquarters Hospital, have been transferred to SCB Medical College and Hospital in Cuttack. They are reported to be out of danger. Those with minor injuries are being treated at Jaleswar Hospital.
The accident occurred late last night, around 12:30 AM, on the Chalanti bypass near Akatali on National Highway 16. The Uttar Pradesh bus (UP51AT6297), carrying 60 passengers en route to Puri, overturned into a 6-foot-deep ditch. Upon receiving the distressing news, Minister Bibhuti Bhushan Jena immediately instructed departmental officials and local authorities to provide all possible assistance to the victims. Rescue teams, police, transport officials, and ambulances reached the spot immediately and launched a rescue operation.
The rescue and relief operations were carried out with utmost dedication, under the guidance of Transport Commissioner Amitabh Thakur, along with the Balasore District Collector and SP. Apart from the tragic loss of four lives, the remaining passengers were safely rescued, with local volunteers and organizations offering significant support. Transport Commissioner Amitabh Thakur confirmed that the department has made all necessary arrangements for the safe return of the passengers to their home State very soon.
Senior officials from the State Transport Authority, the Crash Investigation Team, local RTO, and police are investigating the cause of the accident. Preliminary findings suggest that the accident occurred due to the driver’s error, as he is believed to have fallen asleep while driving. Following the accident, the driver reportedly fled the scene.
