Nabarangpur: A passenger bus collided head-on with a pickup van near Ambapani Ghat in the district, injuring 15 passengers and leaving the driver critically hurt.
The incident occurred under Maidalpur police limits when an SBMS bus (OD 10 AS 6313) travelling towards Jeypore via Kalahandi crashed into a pickup truck (CG 04 NN 4999) near Khadaka Bulani. The collision left several passengers injured, while the bus driver sustained severe injuries at the spot.
Police from Maidalpur rushed to the scene and rescued the injured passengers. They were transported by ambulance and other vehicles to Maidalpur and Papadahandi health centres for treatment.
Residents expressed concern over repeated accidents at the spot and alleged that the National Highway authorities and district administration have failed to address safety concerns despite frequent mishaps. They demanded urgent intervention to prevent further loss of lives.