AGENCIES / Cuttack
At least 12 people were killed and 49 injured after a bus fell off a bridge over the Mahanadi river in Cuttack after it hit a buffalo today.
The bus, rammed the side of the bridge, broke through the concrete wall and fell several metres to the riverbed below.
The driver of the bus lost control when the buffalo came in front of it, swerving the bus to save the animal, a news agency reported, quoting eyewitnesses.
All passengers trapped in the bus have been rescued and taken to the SCB Medical College and Hospital for treatment,
According to sources, NDRF, ODRAF teams, and Fire brigade personnel along with locals are carrying out rescue operations. Two boats have been deployed for rescue as the spot where the bus has landed is reportedly surrounded by water.
Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik expressed his condolences and has announced ex-gratia of Rs. 2 lakh for the next of kin of the deceased and also promised free treatment for those injured.
Visuals from the spot show bodies on the riverbed and the mangled remains of the bus, run by a private operator. The buffalo also died in the accident, and its body has been recovered.