A late-night pilgrimage turned into a tragedy on National Highway 57 as a tourist bus overturned near Takera Ghat in Odisha’s Nayagarh district. The accident, which occurred around 1:00 AM on Saturday, resulted in at least five fatalities and left approximately 15 passengers in critical condition.
Details of the Incident
The bus was transporting nearly 60 pilgrims from Berhampur toward various tourist destinations in western Odisha. While navigating the notorious sharp curves of the Daspalla police limits, the driver reportedly lost control.
The vehicle struck a roadside rock with significant force before flipping over, leaving the front section of the bus completely mangled. Eyewitness accounts suggest the vehicle was traveling at a high speed and failed to decelerate before entering the bend.
Casualties and Rescue Efforts
Authorities have identified the five deceased individuals:
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Hari Patra
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Laxmi Patra
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Suprabha Sahu
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Sumati Sahu
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Praveen Sahu (The bus driver)
Local residents, police, and fire service personnel launched an immediate rescue operation to extricate passengers trapped within the wreckage. The injured were initially treated at local clinics before being transferred to the Nayagarh District Headquarters Hospital. Medical staff confirmed that while many sustained minor injuries, 15 victims remain in critical condition.
Investigation Underway
The stretch of road at Takera Ghat is well-known for its challenging geography. Preliminary police investigations are focusing on several contributing factors:
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Overspeeding: Reports indicate the bus may have been exceeding safe limits for the terrain.
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Driver Fatigue: Given the 1:00 AM timing, investigators are looking into whether exhaustion played a role.
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Mechanical Failure: The vehicle will be inspected for any sudden malfunctions.
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Road Conditions: The sharp curves of the Ghat are being reviewed to determine if better safety barriers or signage are required.
“Several passengers were flung out of the vehicle on impact, while others remained trapped inside the wreckage,” an eyewitness recalled, describing the chaos of the crash site.
