Sundargarh: In a tragic incident early Wednesday morning, at least 15 individuals sustained injuries, with 10 of them critically, following a collision between a truck and a passenger bus in Tikayatpalli area of Odisha’s Sundargarh district.
The mishap occurred near Khaman, under the jurisdiction of Tikayatpalli police station, as the bus, carrying over 30 passengers and en route from Bhubaneswar to Rourkela, was on its journey in the wee hours.
According to sources, all injured passengers were promptly transported to Bonai hospital for immediate medical attention. Subsequently, ten individuals with severe injuries were shifted to a hospital in Rourkela, where their condition was described as critical.
Eyewitnesses on the bus reported that the accident unfolded after the truck veered from its designated lane, abruptly colliding with the bus. They claimed that the truck’s sudden movement towards the bus caused the collision.
While investigations are ongoing to determine the precise cause of the mishap, initial speculation suggests that the truck driver may have fallen asleep at the wheel. A police team swiftly responded to the scene upon receiving notification of the accident, with further details pending as the investigation progresses.
The incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of road safety measures and vigilance among drivers, particularly during late-night journeys, to prevent such unfortunate accidents and ensure the safety of all road users.