A private passenger bus overturned on Kalinga Ghat in Kandhamal district of Odisha on Friday, leaving one person dead and more than 15 others injured. The bus was travelling from Bargarh to Berhampur when the accident occurred.

According to reports, the bus lost balance and rolled over after its brakes reportedly failed while crossing the hilly stretch of the ghat road. 

Seventeen people, including passengers and staff, were onboard at the time of the mishap. Personnel from the G. Udayagiri and Bhanjanagar police stations, along with Fire Department teams, rushed to the spot soon after receiving information and began rescue operations.

Ten of the injured were taken to G. Udayagiri hospital while the rest were shifted to Bhanjanagar hospital, reportedly. 

Medical authorities confirmed that all were undergoing treatment, with those suffering serious injuries referred to other medical facilities for advanced care.

Driver Blames Brake Failure

A member of the Bhanjanagar Fire Department said, “We received a call about the accident at around 4.30 am. The mishap had occurred in the Andharakoti region of Kalinga Ghati. We immediately reached the spot, and shortly after, the G. Udayagiri Fire Department team and Bhanjanagar PCR also arrived. Several people had sustained injuries, some with head injuries, others with broken legs, and were crying in pain. We quickly began the rescue operation and transported the injured to nearby hospitals using our fire truck and other available vehicles.”

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He further added, “We spoke to the driver, who said the brakes of the bus had failed. He tried to control the vehicle for about half a kilometre and attempted to stop it by crashing into a divider. However, when he applied the handbrake, the bus lost balance and overturned.”