Khandapada: A school van carrying students from a private educational institution met with an accident in Nayagarh district Monday, leaving the driver and 10 students injured.
The accident occurred near Barakoli village while the van was transporting students from the school campus to Benagadia village.
Preliminary reports indicated that the driver allegedly lost control of the vehicle due to rash driving, causing it to ram into a roadside mango tree.
On being informed, fire services personnel from Khandapada rushed to the spot and rescued the injured students and the driver.
All were admitted to the Khandapada community health centre for treatment.
The incident triggered concern among students and parents, who alleged that similar accidents involving school vehicles have been taking place frequently.
They criticised the local administration and police for failing to take effective measures to improve road safety and regulate school transport.
Residents have urged the Nayagarh District Collector and education authorities to take immediate steps to prevent such incidents in the future.
