Odisha road mishap: CM Majhi announces aid for families of deceased and injured

Bhubaneswar, Aug 22: In a tragic road accident on Thursday, five people lost their lives and 19 others sustained injuries when a bus collided with an oil tanker. Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi expressed his condolences over the incident and announced financial compensation for the families of the deceased.

The accident occurred near Samarjhola Chowk in the early hours when an oil tanker, attempting to overtake a truck, crashed into a passenger bus. Following the collision, both vehicles veered off course and crashed into a nearby tea stall.

The identities of the victims have not yet been confirmed. Initial reports suggest that three of the deceased were customers at the tea stall, one was a bus passenger, and the fifth person succumbed to injuries at the hospital.

Police arrived at the scene and initiated rescue operations, transporting all the injured to MKCG Medical College and Hospital. The bus was en route from Berhampur to Aska, while the tanker was traveling in the opposite direction.

Ganjam Collector Dibyajyoti Parida visited the hospital and confirmed the deaths and ongoing treatment of the injured. Dr. Saroj Das from the hospital reported that 13 injured individuals have been admitted, with two in critical condition and the rest stable.

Chief Minister Majhi has announced an ex-gratia payment of Rs 2 lakh for the families of the deceased and Rs 1 lakh for the injured. He also directed that free medical treatment be provided to the injured and wished them a speedy recovery.