5 Dead and Over 35 Injured after a Bengal Bound Bus Veered off a Flyover in Odisha

At least 5 people were killed and over 35 others have been injured in a bus accident that occurred in Odisha's Jajpur district on Monday. The incident took place when a bus, carrying around 50 passengers from Cuttack to West Bengal's Digha, skidded off a flyover on National Highway-16 near Barabati. The Chief District Medical Officer of Jajpur confirmed the number of injuries, stating that the driver is in critical condition and the injured have been transported to medical facilities in Cuttack and Jajpur.

Expressing condolences for the lives lost, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik announced an ex-gratia compensation of Rs 3 lakh for the families of each deceased individual. “I am saddened to know about the passenger bus accident in Barbati Street area of Jajpur district. I pray for the immortal soul of the deceased and express my condolences to their families. Also, I wish all the injured a speedy recovery,” posted the Odisha Chief Minister on “X”.

The accident occurred around 9 p.m. on Barabati Bridge, when the bus veered off the road while en route to West Bengal from Puri, with around 50 passengers onboard. Police officials reported that the driver lost control of the vehicle, leading to the fatal accident. As per reports, the accident may have been caused by the reckless driving of the bus driver, with suspicions raised about the possibility of the driver being under the influence of alcohol.

In the aftermath of the accident, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee conveyed her condolences and pledged her unconditional support and assistance to those affected. “Sad to know about the death and injuries of several passengers in a tragic bus accident in Jajpur district of Odisha last night. West Bengal administration has been in rescue and assistance mode from the very beginning. The bus was bound for our State and some of the dead and many of the injured have been ours. West Bengal has been sending officials, materials, ambulances etc. to the site in Odisha for rescue assistance. Vehicles have been sent to bring back the rescued passengers. Beds have been reserved in Medinipur Medical College. Compensation will be paid to the next of kin of the dead and the injured as per rules. State administration, Paschim Medinipur and Purba Medinipur district officials are fully involved in relief assistance. Solidarity to my affected brothers and sisters of Purba Medinipur,” said Mamata Banerjee.