Bhubaneswar: Additional Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Krushna Chandra Sethi was injured after allegedly being struck by an Ama Bus near Bhubaneswar Club in Odisha capital on Friday morning.
According to sources, the senior officer was cycling on his usual route when the bus rammed into him. He has been admitted to nearby Capital Hospital. While the precise nature and severity of his injuries remain unconfirmed, sources added that he is under medical supervision.
Following the mishap, the Capital Region Urban Transport (CRUT), which operates Ama Bus services in Bhubaneswar, has released a safety advisory reminding all road users, especially cyclists and two-wheeler riders, to steer clear of the blind spots of heavy vehicles like buses and trucks.
“Around 8:10 am, the bus, driven by Captain Bharat Mohapatra, had stopped near AG Square to allow passengers to board and alight before heading toward Indira Gandhi Park. A cyclist, finding the stationary bus blocking his path, attempted to overtake it from the right side. As he drew level with the driver’s door area, a known blind spot for the driver, the cyclist became invisible in the right-side mirror. When the bus moved forward slightly, the bicycle made contact near the driver-side door, causing the cyclist to lose balance and fall. The bus captain promptly stopped the vehicle, helped the cyclist to safety, and checked on his condition before resuming the route,” the CRUT clarified in a release.
It further stated that the cyclist suffered a shoulder injury and received first aid and treatment at a nearby hospital. “Senior CRUT officials visited the hospital to offer support and wish him a quick recovery,” it added.
Notably, the state capital has witnessed a series of accidents involving Ama Buses in recent months. Earlier cases included collisions with auto-rickshaws resulting in fatalities and injuries, as well as instances where locals vandalised buses following such accidents. Concerns over reckless driving and road safety with the Ama Bus fleet have also been raised periodically by commuters and authorities alike.
