Berhampur: A tragic incident occurred in Odisha’s Ganjam district near Berhampur, resulting in the loss of at least 12 lives and leaving seven individuals severely injured. In the early hours of June 26th, tragedy struck when two buses met with an unfortunate head-on collision. A passenger bus and one carrying individuals returning from celebrating at a wedding collided, resulting in severe damages and injuries. The collision took place at Digapahandi, near Berhampur.
The victims were residents of Khandadeuli village, located approximately eight kilometres from the accident site. They travelled in a private bus after attending a marriage celebration in Berhampur. The other bus involved in the collision belonged to the Odisha State Road Transport Corporation (OSRTC) and was en route from Gudari in the Rayagada district to Bhubaneswar. The collision between the two buses occurred near Digapahandi, resulting in a devastating impact.
The collision force caused the private bus to overturn, trapping passengers underneath its weight. Unfortunately, eight individuals lost their lives instantly. The passengers travelling on the OSRTC bus sustained minor injuries in the accident. Prompt action was taken to transport the injured passengers to the MKCG Medical College Hospital in Berhampur for immediate medical attention. Initial reports indicate that most of the deceased individuals were relatives of the wedding party.
With utmost compassion towards grieving families and supporting those harmed or injured during this terrible accident, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik has ensured that ₹3 lakh will be provided to each family who lost someone dear, whereas those who were injured offering monetary aid of ₹30,000. The entire locality is in mourning, and the tragedy has renewed calls for increased emphasis on road safety protocols and preventative action to avoid similar occurrences from happening in the future.