In a tragic turn of events, as many as 35 picnickers, including children, have been critically injured after their bus overturned on Taptapani ghat road in Odisha’s Ganjam district on Sunday morning. The incident has sent shockwaves through the local community and raised concerns about road safety.

Details of the Rescue Operation

Following the accident, local residents, fire personnel, and policemen launched a massive rescue operation. All the injured individuals were rushed to the local Digapahandi hospital for immediate medical attention, highlighting the community’s swift response to the crisis.

Background of the Picnickers

The bus was carrying around 60 people, comprising women and children from the Jajpur area, who had visited Jirang and Khasada tourist spots in Gajapati district. The accident occurred while returning from their trip, caused by the driver losing control of the bus on the challenging ghat road.

Previous Accident in the Region

This accident follows a similar incident on December 27, where 25 tourists, mostly from West Bengal, were involved in a serious accident in Kandhamal district. The victims in both incidents were admitted to local health centers and later shifted to MKCG Medical College and Hospital in Berhampur for advanced treatment.

Impact on School Children and Tourists

Among the injured were several school children, adding to the gravity of the situation. The tourists from West Bengal had come to Daringbadi for a vacation and were en route to Gopalpur when their bus overturned due to the driver losing balance at a turn in the ghat.

Conclusion: Raising Road Safety Awareness

The tragic bus accident in Odisha’s Ganjam district not only underscores the critical need for road safety measures but also highlights the importance of emergency preparedness in rural areas. As investigations continue, this incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of road travel, especially in challenging terrains, and the need for enhanced safety protocols to protect travelers and local residents alike.

  Ganjam district, India, Odisha