Puri: An Ama Bus ran over a woman on Nabakalebar Road in Puri, Odisha, on Friday morning, adding to the rising number of accidents involving these buses operated by CRUT.
The woman, identified as Laxmi Maharana (60), sustained severe injuries to her legs.
According to sources, the accident took place when the woman was walking back home after visiting the Shree Jagannath Temple. The bus, en route to Atharnala from Atharnala, ran over her after hitting her from behind, causing serious injuries to her leg. She was rushed to Puri sadar hospital, where doctors then referred her to AIIMS-Bhubaneswar for advanced treatment considering the severity of her condition.
The accident led to widespread outrage among local residents, who blocked the road in protest. They accused the local administration of ignoring repeated complaints about the poor condition of Nabakalebar Road. Demonstrators demanded that the government cover the victim’s full medical expenses and provide adequate compensation. Additionally, they called for converting the road stretch into a one-way route to minimise accident risks and even imposing a total ban on bus movement for public safety.
On being informed, Kumbharpada police reached the spot, attempted to pacify the agitators and clear the blockade to restore normal traffic flow. An investigation is also underway to determine circumstances leading to the accident.
