Dharakote: In a major mishap, three persons were killed while over 23 others suffered injuries after a passenger bus overturned near Janbili crusher mill near here in Ganjam district Monday.
The incident occurred while the bus ‘Satya Sai’ was on its way to Olambha from Berhampur, sources said. The deceased were identified as Gopala Gouda (45) of Janbili, Ram Niak (32) of Olambha and the bus helper Rajendra Sethy (40) of Gugumu.
Locals rescued the injured and admitted them to Dharakote community health centre. Among the injured, the condition of Maya Sethy, Titu, Tamal Dakua, Dusa Panda, Panchanan Swain, Chanda Naik and Matua Swain was critical. After primary treatment, they were shifted to Berhampur-based MKCG Medical College and Hospital.
On being alerted, a police team led by Dharakote IIC Ranjan Kumar Dey reached the spot and sent the bodies for post-mortem. A case was registered and the vehicle was seized. An investigation was launched while the driver fled the spot after the mishap.
Fire brigade personnel were pressed into service and the rescue operation was on till this report was filed. BDO Pradeep Kumar Nayak, ATO Dhirendra Kumar, assistant engineer Biswanath Maharana and other officials took stock of the situation. PNN