Pattamundai Bus Accident: Tree Saves Lives, 20 Injured
Kendrapada district witnessed a near‑tragedy on Wednesday afternoon when a passenger bus named Prince (OD 29F 6966), carrying over 50 passengers, skidded off the road near Kakharuni under Pattamundai Rural Police Station.
The accident occurred around 3:30 PM after the bus’s axle suddenly broke, causing the driver to lose control.
The vehicle narrowly avoided overturning when it collided with a roadside tree, which prevented a major disaster.
More than 20 passengers sustained injuries, while others escaped unharmed.
Locals rushed to rescue the victims, followed by the Pattamundai Fire Brigade. The injured were admitted to Pattamundai Sub‑Division Hospital for treatment.
Eyewitnesses reported that the bus driver and helper fled the scene immediately after the accident.
Rajnagar MLA Dhruba Charan Sahoo and Pattamundai Block Chairman Pradyumna Samantaray visited the hospital, meeting CDMO Dr Nirakar Parida to ensure proper medical care.
Police from Pattamundai Model and Rural stations reached the site and initiated an investigation into the incident.
