Berhampur: At least 12 persons including seven of a family killed and several injured in a head-on collision between two buses near Digapahandi in Ganjam district late last night.
The tragic road mishap took place near Digapahandi at around 1 AM in the night when a private bus returning from Berhampur collided with a State-run Odisha State Road Transport Corporation (OSRTC) that was coming from the opposite direction from Gudari of Rayagada district.
Soon after the incident, local police officials, Ganjam Collector and Berhampur SP rushed to the spot and conducted a rescue operation.
The injured persons have been admitted in a local hospital and MKCG Medical College, Berhampur, while two seriously injured persons have been referred to SCB Medical College and Hospital at Cuttack for further treatment, sources said.
The private bus was returning to Khandadeuli near Digapahandi after attending the party at Berhampur. Just a few km before they reach their destination, such a massive bus mishap took place.
According to police, the deceased include six men, four women and two minors. Among them, seven were members of one family and their relatives.
The road has now been cleared and police has launched an investigation to find out the reason behind the tragic accident.
Expressing deep grief over the deaths of people in the bus accident, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik announced ex-gratia of Rs 3 lakh each to next of kin of the deceased and free medical treatment for the injured.
Special Relief Commissioner (SRC) Satyabrata Sahu has informed that Rs 30,000 provided to each injured person for treatment under supervision of Ganjam District Administration.