In a tragic accident early this morning, a tourist bus from Kolkata collided with a cement-laden truck in the Kandhei Chhak area of Jajpur district, resulting in the deaths of two individuals. The deceased have been identified as the driver and the helper of the bus, which was traveling to Puri from Kolkata.
The collision, which occurred around 3:45 am under the Barchana police jurisdiction, also left at least 13 passengers injured, with seven in critical condition. These critically injured passengers have been transferred to Cuttack SCB Medical College and Hospital for treatment.
Sarat Patra, the Inspector-In-Charge of Barchana Police Station, reported that upon receiving information about the accident, a rapid response was initiated. Night patrol units, the NH patrolling team, and local police staff quickly arrived at the scene. Patra noted that there were approximately 60 passengers on the bus at the time of the accident.
Following the collision, the bus caught fire, prompting the immediate involvement of the fire services department. Emergency personnel managed to extinguish the fire and recover two bodies from the wreckage.