Fatal Bus Accident Claims Lives in Odisha's Jajpur District

Eyewitness Accounts: Suspicions of Reckless Driving and Possible Alcohol Influence

Tragedy struck in Odisha's Jajpur district as a bus veered off a flyover on National Highway-16 near Barabati, resulting in the loss of at least five lives and leaving around 38 others injured. The bus, ferrying approximately 50 passengers from Cuttack to West Bengal's Digha, met with the accident during its journey.

According to the Chief District Medical Officer of Jajpur, the injured, including the critically wounded bus driver, have been promptly transported to the SCB Medical College and Hospital in Cuttack and the Community Health Center in Jajpur for medical attention.

Eyewitnesses recounted that the bus driver's erratic driving behavior raised concerns, with some suspecting that he may have been under the influence of alcohol. A local resident who observed the incident expressed this suspicion, noting the driver's reckless maneuvers and erratic movements.

In response to the tragic incident, rescue efforts are currently underway at the accident site, with assistance from fire services personnel and local residents.

Expressing sorrow over the loss of lives, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik announced an ex-gratia compensation of Rs 3 lakh each for the families of the deceased, acknowledging the gravity of the situation and offering support to those affected by the tragedy.