9 died, 22 injured as bus catches fire due to current shock in Odisha

Berhampur: In a horrific incident, nine people died and 22 sustained injuries when a bus caught fire as it came in contact with 11KV current wire at Golanthara area in Ganjam district of Odisha.

At the time of the incident, the bus was headed towards Chikarada from Jangalpadu with around 40 passengers for a wedding ceremony. The bus caught fire after coming in contact with an 11 KV power transmission line, leading to the deaths of nine people and 22 others suffered severe injuries.

Immediately, the locals informed the police and firefighters. On receiving the information, the fire rescue team reached the spot and put off the fire. Later, the victims were taken out and rushed to the hospital.

On the incident, Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik expressed condolences and announced an ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh each to the family of the deceased.

CM also announced free medical treatment to the injured, who are receiving treatment at MKCG Medical College & Hospital in Berhampur. Five injured were shifted to SCB Medical College in Cuttack as their condition is said to the critical.

Responding to the accident, State Transport Minister Padmanabha Behera said a thorough inquiry would be conducted into the incident, and strict action will be taken against the guilty.