Ganjam Bus Mishap: Odisha Minister Blames Energy Dept, Driver; Probe Ordered

Bhubaneswar: Hours after nine passengers were electrocuted to death, the Odisha government on Sunday ordered a high-level probe into the mishap which occurred after a bus came in contact with an 11 KV livewire at Melapataru village under Golanthara police limits in Odisha’s Ganjam district.

More 40 passengers, nine among seriously, were injured in the accident.

Talking to mediapersons here, Commerce and Transport minister Padmanabha Behera blamed the Energy Department for the tragic incident.

“I fail to understand how the 11 KV wire could hang so low. The villagers claimed to have brought the matter to the notice of the Southco authorities, but no action was taken. I have ordered a thorough probe into the incident and stringent action will be taken against the guilty,” he said.

The Minister also blamed the recklessness of the bus driver for the unfortunate incident.

“The bus driver should have stopped the vehicle after seeing the live wire hanging low. But he did not take notice. I have directed the Regional Transport Officer (RTO) to verify the route permit of the bus and submit a report,” he added.

Managing director of the Odisha Power Transmission Corporation Limited (OPTCL) Sourabh Garg said that he had informed Southco about the incident and asked the officials to submit a report on the height of the 11 KV wire when the incident took place. On the basis of the report, action will be taken against the official concerned for gross dereliction of duty, he added.