Kabisuryanagar: At least 17 passengers suffered injuries after the bus they were travelling in crashed against a road divider and turned turtle in front of the block office here in Ganjam district Friday afternoon.
The injured were identified as Rajendra Sahoo of Polasora, Sishula Nahak, Gaurishankar Panda and Kedar Nayak of Kabisuryanagar, Shibani Panda of Humuki, Prabhakar Panda of Shankuda, Sashi Khatua and Amar Khatua of Kantapada, Parshuram Behera, Aapana Behera and Babu Patra of Baida, Manjula Bhojbal of Shikula, Magui Parida and Saina Gaud (5) of Mantapada and Aishu Nahak (2) of Paik Jamuna. They were rescued by fire personnel and rushed to the nearest government health centre.
According to reports, the minibus with over 30 passengers onboard was on its way from Aska to Budhamba when it crashed into the divider before overturning on the road.
Local people and fire personnel rescued the people after breaking the front windscreen.
On being informed, ASI Arjun Kanhar and ASI Rabindra Nath Gaud reached the spot and cleared the road by towing the vehicle.
However, the driver and helper of the bus managed to flee from the spot. Passengers alleged that the driver was in an inebriated state while driving the bus.
PNN