NE NEWS SERVICE
GUWAHATI, JAN 29
Seven people were feared killed and over 40 injured after a bus skidded off from a ghat road in Odisha’s coastal district of Ganjam in the early morning on Wednesday.
The accident took place when the bus was proceeding to Berhampur town of Ganjam district from Tikiri area of Rayagada district while negotiating a hairpin bend in Taptapani ghat. It was alleged that the driver suddenly lost control over the brakes at Palukhola area.
Courtesy: Odhisha TV
“We had just resumed our journey after having tea at a roadside tea stall at 3.30 a.m. when the driver suddenly announced that the brakes had failed. Soon after, the vehicle toppled down the road,” said one of the passengers who managed to survive.
Deputy fire officer Debendra Swain said the bus fell off from a height of 30 feet. “We apprehend more casualties as some passengers are still trapped under the bus. We can see some hands and legs hanging out of the window,” he said.
At least four fire fighting units from Berhampur are engaged in rescue operations. Rescue work was hindered as the accident occurred in a forest area and the spot is surrounded by water. The injured have been rushed to Digapahandi and Berhampur Hospital.