Woman Dead, Several Injured After Bus Hits Guard Wall at Kalinga Ghat in Odisha

A tragic road accident at Kalinga Ghat on the Ganjam-Kandhamal border claimed the life of a woman passenger and left 10 others injured on Friday morning when a private bus carrying 24 people veered off course and slammed into a safety guard wall. The bus, en route from Bargarh to Berhampur, reportedly lost control while navigating a sharp curve, with surviving passengers alleging excessive speed as the primary cause despite the driver's attempts to regain command.

Eyewitness accounts described chaotic scenes as the vehicle hit the barrier, causing it to partially overturn and trap several occupants. The deceased woman, whose identity is yet to be disclosed, succumbed to injuries at the scene, while the 10 wounded—ranging from moderate to critical conditions—were promptly extricated by responders and rushed to nearby hospitals in G Udayagiri and Bhanjanagar for treatment.

Police and fire brigade teams from G. Udayagiri and Bhanjanagar swung into action upon receiving alerts, conducting rescue operations amid the treacherous ghat terrain. Authorities have launched a detailed probe to ascertain the exact circumstances, including potential mechanical failure or driver error, as preliminary reports highlight the notorious dangers of Kalinga Ghat's winding roads, a frequent hotspot for mishaps during the monsoon aftermath.

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The incident underscores persistent road safety concerns in Odisha's hilly stretches, where speeding and sharp bends continue to pose lethal risks despite repeated calls for enhanced barriers and enforcement. As investigations proceed, local administration has assured support to the victims' families, with demands growing for stricter regulations on private bus operators in sensitive zones.

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