School picnic bus plunges into gorge; 1 dead, several injured in Odisha

A school picnic turned tragic in Digapahandi after a bus carrying school staff plunged into a deep gorge, leaving one person dead and 14 others injured. The accident occurred on a ghat road near Bariapathara on Sunday under the jurisdiction of Jarada police station. According to sources, the bus fell nearly 50 feet into the gorge, triggering panic among the passengers. The vehicle was heading for a picnic when the mishap took place.

The bus was carrying teachers, female teachers and other staff members of a private educational institution based in Berhampur. They were travelling together for a picnic when the accident occurred on the winding ghat stretch.

Locals rushed to the spot soon after the incident and assisted in rescue efforts, helping to pull the injured out of the damaged vehicle.

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Injured Shifted to Hospital

All the injured passengers were immediately shifted to the Patrapur Medical Centre for treatment. Medical sources said several of the injured sustained serious injuries and are undergoing treatment.

The tragic accident has cast a shadow over what was meant to be a joyful outing, once again highlighting the risks associated with travel on hilly roads. Authorities are expected to investigate the cause of the accident, while prayers pour in for the speedy recovery of the injured.