Balasore: More than 30 people were injured, nine of them critically, after a passenger bus collided with a truck in Basta area of Odisha’s Balasore district early on Saturday.
As per preliminary information, the mishap took place on National Highway No. 60 near Junabalada village in Basta at in the wee hours. The injured persons were rushed to the district headquarters hospital at Balasore for treatment.
Sources said the bus carrying over 60 passengers was proceeding from Bhubaneswar to Kolkata when it dashed against a stationary coal-laden truck from the rear. The impact of the collision was so severe that the front portion of the bus badly mangled.
While around 30 passengers sustained injuries, nine of them were grievously injured. Though the exact reason of the mishap is yet to be ascertained, it is suspected that the driver might have dozed off.
After getting information, a police team from Basta rushed to the spot and rescued the passengers. The injured were immediately rushed to the hospital while arrangements were made to send the other passengers to Kolkata.
Investigation has been initiated to establish the turn of events. Further probe is underway and details awaited.
