Bhubaneswar: Twenty patients had a providential escape after a bus in which they were travelling caught fire after hitting a road divider at Falpadu in Odisha’s Nayagarh district in the early hours of Monday.
The accident took place around 5 am near Banigochha police station when the bus was transporting patients from Sai Seva Sadan Hospital in Khudi, Khurda district, to Harbhanga in Boudh district. The vehicle went up in flames after hitting the divider.
On being informed, fire services personnel from Dasapalla rushed to the spot and doused the flames. All patients were rescued and shifted to Dasapalla and Banigochha health centres. Their health condition is stated to be stable.
Driver and helper of the bus fled the spot soon after the accident.
Preliminary investigation suggests that the driver lost control of the wheels due to heavy fog in the area. A police investigation is underway.
