Bus carrying 40 passengers falls off bridge in Odisha’s Balasore, several injured

A passenger bus carrying around 40 people skidded off a road and fell off the Nuniajodi bridge on the outskirts of Balasore city this morning. 

According to preliminary estimates, over 20 people were injured in the mishap. The bus, Shani Dev, was being operated by a private operator and was en route to Balasore from Bhograi when it collided with a tractor and lost control, veering off the bridge into the water body.

Ground reports further added that the bus turned on its side and was partially submerged in muddy waters close to the Budhabalanga River. Over 20 passengers were reported to have sustained injuries, but no fatalities were recorded.

Rescue Efforts Underway

Locals rushed to the aid, with several entering the water body and pulling passengers out of windows, even as water filled the bus cabin partially. Rescued passengers assembled on one side of the overturned bus and waited to be lifted out of the gorge.

Balsore BDO and Tehsildar soon arrived on the spot along with fire services personnel and authorities. Several people were pulled to safety by locals, whereas an ODRAF team rescued those stranded on one side of the bus and those who had sustained grievous injuries.

At least 20 people, including women and children, were shifted to different hospitals across Balasore City and were being administered primary care. Additionally, rescue personnel were engaged in search operations for any feared trapped inside the partially sunken vehicle.

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Police Response:

Police interrogated eyewitnesses and passengers to ascertain the exact circumstances and cause of the accident. 

However, they did not offer any additional comments on the matter.