Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Wednesday expressed deep grief and sorrow over the loss of eight lives in a tragic road accident at Palakhola on Taptapani ghat road in Ganjam district.
Conveying deep sympathy to the bereaved families, he announced an ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh each to the next of the kin of the deceased.
Naveen has also directed the Ganjam Collector and SP to expedite relief and rescue operation, a release from the CMO said.
The accident took place early this morning when a bus carrying more than 50 passengers was on the way to Berhampur from Tiriki in Rayagada district. Over 40 passengers were injured after the bus fell off a bridge at Palakhola. The four critically injured are undergoing treatment at MKCG Medical College and Hospital, Berhampur.
