Tourist Vehicle Overturns in Odisha’s Sambalpur, Over 10 Injured
Horror crash on Sambalpur-Rairakhol road injures passengers.
A serious road accident occurred late Friday night on the Sambalpur–Rairakhol road near Kansar in Odisha, where a tourist vehicle carrying approximately 17 passengers overturned, leaving more than 10 individuals injured. The vehicle reportedly lost control, collided with an electric pole, and subsequently struck the safety wall of a bridge before flipping onto the road. The sudden impact caused widespread panic among the occupants, resulting in injuries ranging from minor to severe.
Local residents, alerted by the loud crash, promptly arrived at the scene and notified police and emergency services. Their quick response facilitated initial rescue efforts until professional help arrived. Among the injured, seven were admitted to Sambalpur District Headquarters Hospital, while others were transferred to Veer Surendra Sai Institute of Medical Sciences and Research in Burla for advanced treatment. Medical authorities reported that several victims remain under observation, with some sustaining fractures and trauma.
One passenger recounted that the driver may have momentarily dozed off, leading to the loss of control just as the vehicle approached the bridge structure. The individual further noted that multiple members of a single family were among those travelling in the 20-seater vehicle, heightening the emotional impact of the incident. Police have initiated an investigation to determine the exact cause and circumstances surrounding the mishap.
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In a commendable act of humanitarian aid, an ambulance en route to Bhubaneswar carrying a pregnant woman halted upon spotting the overturned vehicle. The ambulance crew provided immediate assistance, helping transport several injured passengers to medical facilities before additional emergency vehicles could reach the remote location.
Authorities continue to monitor the condition of the injured, while the incident underscores ongoing concerns regarding road safety on state highways, particularly during night travel. The inquiry is expected to examine factors such as driver fatigue and vehicle maintenance in the coming days.
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