A terrible accident unfolded in Jaleshwar, Balasore district late last night when a passenger bus plunged 20 feet from the national highway. Tragically, four people died on the spot, including one woman, and 23 others sustained injuries. Among the injured, 16 people remain in critical condition.
The bus, named ‘Krishna,’ carried 57 pilgrims from Uttar Pradesh who journeyed to Puri to visit Kalia Saint. They had departed Uttar Pradesh on the 18th and left Calcutta for Puri just last night.
Around midnight, the bus lost its balance while crossing National Highway No. 60 and overturned, falling 20 feet below the highway.
Emergency responders, including the National Highway Patrol van, Jaleswar police, and fire brigade, quickly arrived on the scene to conduct rescue operations. They rescued the 23 injured passengers and transported them to Jaleswar Medical Center. Due to the severity of their injuries, 16 were later transferred to Baltimore District General Hospital.
Sadly, the four victims who died on the spot included three males and one female. Authorities identified the deceased as Rajesh Kumar Mishra, Kamala Devi Jadav, Raj Prasad Jadav, and Shantaram Jadav. They sent the bodies to Baltimore for autopsy.
Additionally, responders are arranging to send the recovered passengers back home. The local community has erupted in grief, with cries echoing throughout the area.