Tourist Bus Crashes into Bridge Divider in Balasore, Claims Driver's Life
A devastating road accident in Balasore district resulted in one fatality and left at least fourteen passengers with critical injuries. The tragic incident unfolded in the early hours of Friday when a tourist bus violently collided with a divider on a bridge at Bahanaga.
Details of the Fatal Collision on NH-16
Preliminary investigation reports indicate that the bus was transporting over thirty-nine passengers from Andhra Pradesh to West Bengal. The vehicle was traveling on National Highway 16 when it suddenly rammed into the bridge divider. Authorities suspect that the driver, identified as N Shrinivas Rao, aged fifty-five, may have fallen asleep at the wheel, leading to the catastrophic crash.
The force of the impact was severe enough to eject the driver through the shattered windscreen of the bus. He landed on the bridge surface and succumbed to his injuries at the scene. This tragic outcome has highlighted the grave dangers associated with driver fatigue on long-distance routes.
Emergency Response and Passenger Care
Following the accident, emergency services swiftly arrived to rescue the critically injured passengers. They were immediately transferred to the Khantapada community health centre for urgent medical treatment. The remaining passengers, who escaped with minor or no injuries, were taken to Bahanaga High School. There, they received temporary shelter and necessary assistance while arrangements were made for their onward journey.
To clear the accident site and restore normal traffic flow, a crane was deployed to remove the severely damaged bus from the bridge. The operation was conducted carefully to avoid further disruption on the busy national highway.
Investigation and Official Actions
Local police have initiated a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash. The driver's body has been sent for a post-mortem examination to determine the exact cause of death. Simultaneously, authorities are working diligently to make arrangements for the stranded passengers, ensuring they can safely reach their intended destinations in West Bengal.
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the critical importance of road safety measures and the need for drivers to remain alert during long journeys. The community and officials are now focusing on supporting the affected families and preventing similar tragedies in the future.
