Quick Read
- A bus overturned in Odisha’s Malkangiri, carrying over 50 passengers returning from Hyderabad.
- Several passengers are feared trapped, with injuries reported.
- Rescue teams are working to free the trapped and provide medical aid.
A harrowing accident in Odisha’s Malkangiri district has left over 50 passengers feared trapped and injured after a bus overturned late Sunday night. The passengers, many of whom were returning from Hyderabad, faced a terrifying ordeal as the vehicle skidded off the road and flipped, according to local reports.
The accident, which occurred near a sharp turn on the Malkangiri-Jeypore road, has sparked widespread concern about road safety and the state of emergency response in the region. Eyewitnesses at the scene described a chaotic aftermath, with screams for help and passengers scrambling to escape the overturned bus.
Details of the Accident
According to initial reports, the bus was en route from Hyderabad to Odisha when the driver allegedly lost control on a sharp turn. The incident took place around midnight, catching many passengers off guard as they were asleep during the journey. Local authorities believe that overloading and high speed may have contributed to the crash.
Emergency services, including fire and police teams, were deployed immediately to rescue passengers trapped inside the vehicle. As of early Monday, several injured individuals had been transported to nearby hospitals for treatment, though the exact number of casualties remains unclear. Officials are still working to free passengers who are reportedly stuck in the wreckage.
Impact on Victims and Their Families
The victims of this tragic incident include individuals from various walks of life, many of whom were returning to their hometowns after working in Hyderabad. For families waiting for their loved ones to return, the news has been devastating. Local residents have also joined rescue efforts, highlighting the communal spirit in times of crisis.
One of the survivors, identified as Rajesh Kumar, recounted the terrifying moments after the crash. “I was asleep when I suddenly felt the bus jerk violently and then overturn. It was pitch dark, and people were screaming all around me,” he said.
Road Safety Concerns in Odisha
This incident has once again highlighted the pressing issue of road safety in Odisha, particularly on long-distance routes. The Malkangiri-Jeypore stretch, notorious for its sharp turns and lack of adequate lighting, has been the site of numerous accidents in recent years.
According to data from Odishatv, road accidents in the state have seen a worrying rise, with over 4,000 fatalities reported in the past year alone. Many of these incidents are attributed to poor road conditions, lack of driver training, and overloaded vehicles.
Government and Emergency Response
Local authorities have pledged to investigate the cause of the accident thoroughly. A senior official from the Malkangiri district administration stated, “We are prioritizing rescue and relief operations at the moment. A detailed inquiry will follow to ascertain the exact reasons behind this tragic incident.”
Meanwhile, the state government has announced compensation for the victims and their families. Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik expressed his condolences and assured that those injured would receive the best possible medical care.
As rescue operations continue, this incident serves as a grim reminder of the urgent need for improved road infrastructure and stringent safety measures to prevent such tragedies in the future.