**Cuttack**: The bus accident on Mahanadi Bridge in Cuttack in which around 10 people died and 50 got injured has evoked sharp reactions. As the accident occurred when a stray buffalo dashed in the ill-fated bus, the issue of stray animals creating nuisance on the streets in and around the twin cities and causing accidents have created furore.
In his media reactions, Odisha Transport Minister Nrusingha Charan Sahu said, “It can’t be concluded now if there had been any lapses committed by Transport Department or the bus or the driver. It will be all clear after the probe into the mishap.”
“However, it’s an extremely unfortunate incident in which 10 persons suffered premature death and about 50 persons have sustained injuries. Certainly a probe will be inititated into it. Whoever will be found responsible, action will be taken against the guilty. Hon’ble Chief Minister has ordered today for a probe into it. The Chief Minister has also ordered for free treatment of all the injured admitted.”
On being asked who is responsible, he replied, “Road safety is not the sole responsibility of Transport Department. There are also several other departments like police, health, NH, PWD, etc. If the responsibility of each department is observed properly, the rate of accident will decrease.”
“Government is taking various steps to check such accidents. In this case, RTO has been entrusted with conducting the probe,” the Transport Minister remarked.
BJD Mahila Morcha president Minati Behera reacted, “This accident is extremely saddening and unfortunate. Here at the hospital, we all should extend our cooperation. We should all take care of the proper treatment given to all the injured admitted here. We condole the deaths and would like to console the family members. Irrespective of parties, we should all join hands to serve these victims. Just now I held discussion with the doctor so that the injured passengers are given the best treatment.”
On the being queried about the recurrence of such mishap on the same spot, she replied, “The main cause behind it must be found out. The concerned authorities should act accordingly. Not only the Government, but also all of us should be conscious and aware to avert recurrence of such mishap in future. When we’re driving, we should be in a stable mind to proceed because life is most precious and it is the duty of all of us to protect life.”
Talking to OMMCOM NEWS, Biswajit Mohanty, a noted environmentalist said, “The cattle on roads are a major contributor to traffic disruptions and road accidents. Free roaming cattle on the roads and highways are a big menace. As per High Court directives, the cattle cannot be left alone in the streets. If the cattle will cross a bridge which is 2 km long, that too the buffalo in question was black in the colour. It is a dangerous thing for the drivers. Lot of two-wheeler accidents occur due to free roaming of the cattle and dogs. This has to be completely stopped.”
“Secondly, most of the buses drive very recklessly. The authorities seldom check whether they have the speed governors or not. There is widespread corruption which results in such mishaps. It is yet to be found out what the speed of the bus was, and whether the negligence of the driver also compounded with the cattle menace for this fatal accident,” he further added.
Choudwar-Cuttack MLA Pravat Ranjan Biswal said, “Government has already set rule for speed limit. Vehicle shouldn’t exceed 60 kmph speed on highways, be it State Highway (SH) or National Highway (NH). As some reckless drivers are flouting the norm, innocent passengers are falling prey to it. Twice I have raised this issue in the Assembly and it has also been discussed.”
He recalled, “Earlier also such an accident took place on the same Mahanadi Bridge. Kanak Durga bus from Kendrapada toured Puri for Lord Jagannath’s Nagarjuna Besa. While returning, same type of accident had taken place in which 48 persons were killed after the bus had fallen off the Mahanadi Bridge. Definitely the issue will be raised in the ongoing Assembly session.”
“Yesterday I have also discussed with Cuttack Collector to propose preventive steps before the State Government. State Government has enacted rule, but if the driver violates or the stray cattle cross over the road, all need to be conscious, especially the driver. As the speed of the bus was beyond control in this case, it has happened. Also serious discussion will be held in Municipal Corporation regarding the movement of stray animals on the road,” he informed.
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Notably, the fatal mishap occurred on Tuesday evening when a bus named ‘Kings Ferry’ carrying around 40 passengers was midway on the Mahanadi Bridge. A black buffalo suddenly came in front of the vehicle. The bus’s driver, in a bid to save the cattle, steered the vehicle to its right and dived straight into the river bed, breaking the walls of the bridge.
**Also Read:** [Mahanadi Bridge Bus Accident: Hear The Heart Rendering Recounts Of Deceased’s Kin](https://www.ommcomnews.com/odisha-news/mahanadi-bridge-bus-accident-hear-the-heart-rendering-recounts-of-deceased-s-kin)
**Also Read:** [Odisha: Private Bus Falls Off Mahanadi Bridge In Cuttack City, Many Passengers Injured](https://www.ommcomnews.com/odisha-news/odisha-private-bus-falls-off-mahanadi-bridge-in-cuttack-city-many-passengers-injured)
