Jajpur, (Orissa Today), April 16: The Dharmasala police have taken legal action against the bus driver who fled the scene following a tragic road accident at Barabati Chhak in Jajpur district, claiming five lives overnight.
The bus, named ‘Kalia Nana’, was traveling from Puri to Digha in West Bengal when it veered off the flyover and plummeted 20 feet below near Barabati Chhak in Jajpur district, reportedly due to the driver losing control.
Following the accident, the driver absconded. Police promptly filed a case and initiated a search operation to apprehend the driver.
Earlier in the day, Lal Mohan Sethi, Additional Commissioner of Transport, attributed the accident to the driver’s negligence, citing reckless driving, distraction, or risky overtaking as potential causes. He mentioned that the bus, registered in 2020 and recently declared roadworthy in March, was in good condition.
The bus, carrying over 40 passengers on its journey from Puri to Haldia, resulted in five fatalities and left 20 injured.
Immediate rescue efforts were launched by fire service personnel and locals, who transported the injured to the Dharmasala Community Health Centre.
In response to the tragedy, the Odisha government announced an ex gratia payment of Rs 3 lakh each for the families of the deceased, expressing deep concern over the incident.
