Bhubaneswar: At least six people lost their lives, and four others sustained injuries after a passenger bus collided with an autorickshaw in Ganjam district on Friday, police officials said.
The accident took place near Ladkapalli Square under the jurisdiction of Purushottampur police station when the bus reportedly crashed into the three-wheeler carrying passengers, according to reports.
According to police, three people died at the accident site, while three others later succumbed to injuries during treatment at a hospital. All the deceased were travelling in the autorickshaw at the time of the collision.
Officials said four injured passengers were initially taken to Kodala Community Health Centre for treatment before being shifted to MKCG Medical College and Hospital in Berhampur for advanced medical care.
Preliminary investigation revealed that the bus was travelling towards Berhampur from Purushottampur, while the autorickshaw was heading towards the Maa Singhasini temple when the accident occurred.
Police said the bus driver fled the scene shortly after the crash, and efforts are underway to locate and apprehend him. Both the passenger bus and the damaged autorickshaw have been seized as part of the investigation.
Meanwhile, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi expressed grief over the loss of lives in the accident and conveyed condolences to the bereaved families.
The CM also announced financial assistance of Rs 4 lakh each from the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund for the next of kin of the deceased.
He further directed officials to ensure proper treatment for the injured and wished them a speedy recovery.
