Bus overturns in Nayagarh; 17 passengers injured, 4 critical

A private passenger bus overturned near Sariganda Chhak in Daspalla, Nayagarh district, injuring 17 people. Of them, four are said to be in critical condition. The bus was en route to Bolangir when the mishap took place.

Eyewitnesses reported that the bus lost balance and fell off the roadside while taking a turn. Locals rushed to the spot and helped pull out the injured.

Emergency services were alerted, and the injured passengers were first admitted to Daspalla Hospital before being shifted to the Nayagarh District Headquarters Hospital.

Shockingly, the driver of the bus fled the scene immediately after the accident, abandoning the vehicle and passengers. Passengers suggest that the driver was under the influence of alcohol and was overspeeding, which likely led to the accident.

"They were supposed to be reached by 3 AM. They took dinner at a hotel in Khurdha before continuing the journey. But the driver and helper were under the influence of alcohol. My parents... their spines were broken in the crash," said a passenger.

While the helper said, ‘Just before the turn was taken, a truck suddenly came and cut across. The vehicle was badly damaged, but thankfully, all passengers were declared safe—only injuries were sustained.’

Police have reached the spot, seized the vehicle, and have launched the investigation. The incident has raised concerns over passenger safety and the regulation of private bus operators in the region.