TV
At least 15 passengers were injured and two sustained critical injuries when the ‘Ama Bus’ they were travelling in collided with a stationary tanker near Chhatilagada under Tangi police limits in Choudwar of Cuttack district, this morning.
The bus, operating on the state-run urban transport network, was travelling along National Highway 16 when it rammed into the tanker from behind.
Reports stated that the Ama Bus was en route from Choudwar towards Cuttack City when it was plying on the busy NH-16. Further, eyewitnesses and the injured passengers alleged that the bus was speeding above its mandated 40 km/h speed when its driver failed to steer away from a tanker truck parked on the edge of the road.
The bus was visibly damaged, with its front bumper and windshields completely mangled and shattered. Further, ground visuals highlighted that the glass panes of several passenger-side windows broke due to the severity of the impact and rushed inwards, injuring many of those seated.
Passengers Rushed To Hospitals
Following the accident, local residents and police rushed to the spot and evacuated the injured. All 15 passengers were initially taken to Tangi Community Health Centre and nearby private hospitals for emergency treatment.
Doctors confirmed that two passengers sustained grievous injuries and were later referred to SCB Medical College and Hospital in Cuttack for specialised care. The condition of the remaining passengers is reported to be stable.
Police Action Underway
Police have launched a probe into the accident to determine whether negligence or technical failure led to the bus ramming into the tanker.
As of the last reports, the vehicle has been seized for inspection, and authorities are expected to record passenger and driver statements as part of the inquiry.
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Second Major Incident In A Month
This accident comes barely a month after another Ama Bus was involved in a head-on collision with a private tourist vehicle at Mangala Ghat Traffic Square in Puri, leaving several visitors from West Bengal injured.
A few days before the Puri accident, an eight-year-old schoolgirl narrowly escaped death in Cuttack City after her bicycle and bag were crushed by a speeding bus near Sati Choura. Additionally, in a separate fatal case on July 14, a motorcyclist lost his life after being hit by an Ama Bus near Barang Block Chhak.
