Jajpur, July 7(OT Webdesk): A major road accident shook Odisha on Sunday night when a passenger bus travelling from Cuttack to Bari lost control and overturned on National Highway 16 near Mulapala Chhak in Jajpur district at around 8:40 PM.
Over 20 passengers were injured in the mishap, with eight sustaining critical injuries. Victims were initially rushed to Dharmasala and Madhuban Community Health Centres.
After a preliminary assessment, the critically injured were swiftly shifted to SCB Medical College and Hospital in Cuttack for advanced treatment.
Among the injured were Natabar Das (58), Uma Rani Das (55), Ranjan Das (17), and several others from Jajpur and Kendrapara districts.
Kuakhia police led the rescue efforts, with local MLAs Biswaranjan Mallik and Himansu Sekhar Sahu, as well as former chairperson Kisan Panda, visiting the injured at the hospital.
Discussions with medical officer Dr. Manas Swain resulted in expedited transfers of the critical cases.
Police officials, including SDPO Pushpalata Barik and IICs from Kuakhia and Dharamsala, are investigating the incident.
While no fatalities have been reported, this accident has reignited concerns over road safety along Odisha’s heavily trafficked NH-16 corridor.
Authorities have called for stricter monitoring and increased driver awareness to prevent such mishaps in the future.
