Berhampur: More than 40 passengers narrowly escaped tragedy on New Year eve when a wheel suddenly detached from their moving private bus at Ganianala Chhak under Digapahandi police limits in Odisha’s Ganjam district.
According to sources, wheel of the bus broke off while a group, all hailing from Chandbali in Bhadrak district, was en route home after enjoying a leisure outing to the popular hot springs destination of Taptapani, following which the vehicle to be dragged along the road for nearly 200 metre.
Panic gripped the picnickers as the bus veered unpredictably, but the quick actions of the driver in bringing the vehicle to a controlled stop prevented what could have been a catastrophic accident. No injuries were reported among the passengers.
Digapahandi police station IIC Prashant Kumar Patra attributed the mishap to the bus’ advanced age and apparent neglect in maintenance.
