Deogarh: Rescue operations at the site of the devastating accident at Gailo ghat in Deogarh district have come to an end, officials engaged in the operations said today.
Twenty seven bodies were recovered from the accident site, while 11 persons were rescued in a seriously injured condition. Out of the injured, six have been shifted to Burla Hospital, the officials said.
The mishap happened when a bus carrying 38 Bharati Gananatya artistes fell into a 300-ft gorge off the Gailo ghat in Deogarh district on Sunday evening.
A eight-month-old baby along with her mother had a miraculous escape in the accident and survived with minor injuries.
The ADMO at Deogarh hospital informed that autopsy of the dead is underway. Post mortem of 26 bodies has been completed so far.
The deceased whose identities have been confirmed are, Sukanti Parida, Kasinath Pradhan, Sitaram Pradhan (Owner), Angad Pradhan of Remta in Barpali in Bargarh; Rajesh Behera of Bagabari in Barpali; Debraj Suna of Bargarh town; Narayan Pradhan (Manager), Madan Panigrahi, Dipak Patel, Rajkumar Patel of Barpali; Sanjeev Dehuri and Pradeep Bhoi of Barangapali; Surendra Pradhan and Banbasa Sahoo of Kanvar; Sanak Behera of Satalama; Sarat Majhi of Bheden; and Laxmikant Thanapati of Budhi Sarada in Bolangir.
The injured shifted to Burla hospital have been identified as Rajesh Behera of Baghabadi in Barpali, Laxmi Seth of Purupali in Barpali, Puja Chatria of Tangarapara, Dilip Pandey of Remta, Bulu Mishra of Langalakanta in Sonepur and Jhunarani Mallick of Pipili.
Meanwhile, the Deogarh SP has issued helpline numbers – 8895002005 and 9937306635 for emergency contacts.
Reports said the mishap occurred when the ill fated bus carrying 38 persons of the Bharati Gananatya opera crew including eight women and a child was going towards Sohela in Bargarh from Deogarh.
According to data obtained from the RTO website revealed that the bus bearing registration number OR-05 AB 9535 had no valid fitness certificate. The validity of the fitness certificate of the bus had expired in April 2014.
Commenting on the matter, motor vehicle department sources said “The Fitness certificate’s validity had ended. A notice in this regard was sent to the owner. However, the owner did not respond. A show-cause notice will be sent to the owner.”
On the other hand, the transport minister has sought a report from the Deogarh RTO. The minister sought details of the circumstances in which the accident occurred, and information about the vehicle and the driver.
After the report is received, necessary action will be taken against the culprits, the Transport minister added.