Bhubaneswar, May 22: In a heart-wrenching road accident, six people lost their lives on the spot after a speeding bus rammed into an auto-rickshaw and dragged it for nearly 100 metres at Ladkapalli Square under Purusottampur Police Station limits in Ganjam on Friday.
According to eyewitnesses and preliminary police reports, the bus was travelling at a very high speed when the driver allegedly lost control of the vehicle before crashing into the auto-rickshaw. The collision was so severe that the bus dragged the mangled three-wheeler for a considerable distance, creating panic among locals present at the spot. The bus driver reportedly fled from the scene immediately after the accident.
Sources said the auto-rickshaw was carrying 10 members of a family who were on their way to offer prayers at the famous Maa Singhasini Temple when tragedy struck.
Soon after receiving information, police personnel along with ambulance services rushed to the accident site and launched rescue operations. The injured victims were initially shifted to Kodala Hospital for treatment.
However, due to the critical nature of their injuries, four passengers were later referred to MKCG Medical College and Hospital for advanced medical care.
The gruesome accident has triggered shock and grief in the locality. Police have started an investigation into the incident and efforts are underway to identify and trace the absconding bus driver.
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