A severe road accident occurred on National Highway-16 in the Cuttack district of Odisha on a Sunday afternoon. A passenger bus lost control and crashed into a roadside divider near the Manguli toll gate in the Tangi area, subsequently overturning. According to available details, around 10 to 15 passengers sustained injuries in the mishap, with the condition of two individuals described as critical. At the time of the incident, the bus was travelling from Jajpur to Bhubaneswar carrying more than 40 passengers. The accident took place at approximately 2:30 PM.
Accident Occurred During Sudden Lane Changing
Reports indicate that the vehicle was travelling at a high speed, with initial estimates suggesting it was moving at roughly 60 kilometres per hour. The bus was initially heading towards lane number 14 of the toll plaza. However, because several other vehicles were parked in that lane, the driver suddenly swerved the vehicle in an attempt to pass through lane number 16. During this sudden manoeuvre, the driver failed to maintain control over the vehicle, leading to the violent collision with the divider near the toll gate.
Rescue Efforts And Immediate Medical Aid
Following the crash, absolute chaos ensued among the passengers onboard. Multiple individuals suffered injuries across different parts of their bodies. Immediately after the accident, toll gate staff and bystanders rushed to initiate rescue operations, pulling passengers out of the wrecked bus. The toll personnel arranged ambulances to transport the injured to medical facilities while also administering first aid to some passengers right at the scene.
Hospitalisation And Police Investigation
The two most critically injured passengers were rushed to the SCB Medical College and Hospital in Cuttack for advanced treatment, while other injured individuals were admitted to nearby medical centres. Upon receiving information about the mishap, the Tangi police promptly arrived at the location and initiated a comprehensive investigation into the causes of the accident. Authorities are currently examining all aspects, including the excessive speed, the sudden lane change, and the presence of stationary vehicles at the toll plaza, while CCTV footage of the incident has also come to light.
