More than 20 passengers were injured, two of them critically, after the bus they were travelling in overturned near Patarani Chhak in Banasingh area of Dhenkanal district on Tuesday.
The private bus, named Maa Samalei, was headed to Banasingh from Dhenkanal when it overturned after the driver reportedly lost control over the vehicle. There were around 40 passengers on board the bus at the time of the mishap.
The injured were immediately shifted to the district headquarters hospital (DHH) in ambulances. There were many college students travelling in the bus.
Two critically injured passengers were later referred to SCB Medical College and Hospital in Cuttack after their condition deteriorated. On the other hand, those who suffered minor injuries were discharged after preliminary treatment at the DHH.
While the exact reason behind the mishap has not been ascertained, some people alleged that the bus was carrying passengers beyond its capacity. As a result, the driver lost control over the wheels at a turning leading to the mishap.
The police arrived at the spot and launched a probe into the matter. The driver and helper of the vehicle fled the spot following the mishap.