Dussehra Tragedy: Bank manager killed in road mishap, 4 others critical

A bank manager was killed while four others have been left battling for life after a passenger bus carrying them overturned mid-way at Daspalla area of Nayagarh district on Wednesday.

The incident occurred while the passenger bus ‘Kaleswar’ was en route to Nayagarh from Bhanjanagar in Ganjam district. The vehicle overturned near Gudibida area after the driver lost balance on the wheels.

While no exact reason for the road mishap was known immediately, sources said the accident might be due to road slippery because of heavy rain in Nayagarh district.

The deceased has been identified as Kalyani Panda, Manager of Odisha Gramya Bank (OGB), Daspalla branch. The four injured have been admitted to Daspalla community health centre (CHC). Among the injured was a woman, reports said.

On being informed, local police along with fire brigade personnel rushed to the spot and started the rescue operation.

Fortunately, all other passengers had a close shave, sources said adding that there were over 20 passengers inside the bus during the mishap.

After preliminary treatment, two of the critically injured were shifted to Nayagarh district headquarters hospital (DHH) after their condition worsened. If need be, the two other injured will also be shifted to Nayagarh DHH for better treatment.

The bus was fully packed as people were returning after Dussehra celebrations. Due to heavy rain in Nayagarh district, the bus driver lost control on the wheels of the vehicle, leading to the mishap, a local said.

The tragic incident on the auspicious occasion of Dussehra has spread a pall of gloom in the area.