A tragic road accident in Odisha's Ganjam district on Sunday resulted in the death of one man and left fifteen others with injuries. The incident occurred when a bus carrying employees of a private school overturned near the Barihapathara picnic spot.
Details of the Ganjam District Accident
The victim has been identified as Ratna Bisoyi, a 45-year-old resident of Sriram Nagar in Berhampur. According to police sources, the bus was transporting approximately 40 staff members from a private school who had visited Barihapathara, a popular picnic location near Chikiti. The accident happened during their return journey.
Local residents immediately rushed to the scene upon hearing about the crash. They played a crucial role in the initial rescue efforts, pulling the injured from the vehicle and arranging for their transport to medical facilities.
Emergency Response and Hospitalizations
The injured were initially taken to the hospital at Patrapur for treatment. Sadly, Ratna Bisoyi succumbed to his injuries while undergoing medical care. Five of the injured were in critical condition and required advanced medical attention. These individuals were subsequently referred to the MKCG Medical College and Hospital in Berhampur. The remaining injured victims continue to receive treatment at the Patrapur hospital.
Police authorities are investigating the exact cause of the overturn. Preliminary reports suggest the accident was a result of the driver losing control of the vehicle on the road near Barihapathara.
Separate Bus Accident in Gajapati District
In an unrelated incident on the same day, another bus met with an accident in a different part of the state. This crash occurred near Badamansing in the Gajapati district. Six people sustained injuries when their vehicle overturned. Reports indicate this bus was carrying 15 passengers traveling from Dhenkanal and Khurda to Mahendragiri.
These back-to-back accidents have highlighted serious concerns regarding road safety on state highways and rural routes in Odisha. They serve as a grim reminder of the potential dangers of road travel, especially in areas with varying terrain.
The community in Berhampur and Ganjam is in mourning following the loss of Ratna Bisoyi. Local officials are likely to review safety protocols for vehicles ferrying groups to picnic and tourist spots, aiming to prevent such heartbreaking incidents in the future.
