Bhubaneswar, 04 January (H.S.):More than 15 people were injured, including two to three critically, in a head-on collision between a passenger mini bus and a pickup van at Jhatipitia under Digapahandi police station limits in Odisha’s Ganjam district on Sunday.

According to officials , the mini bus, carrying over 20 passengers, collided with a pickup van transporting dried fish. The impact of the collision was severe, causing extensive damage to the front portions of both vehicles and overturning the pickup van at the accident site.

Preliminary investigation suggests that over-speeding and rash driving may have led to the mishap. Both drivers sustained serious injuries and were shifted to Berhampur for medical treatment.

Following the accident, local residents rushed to the spot and alerted the police and Fire Services. Teams from Digapahandi police station and rescue personnel promptly reached the site and carried out rescue operations.

All injured passengers were initially taken to Digapahandi Hospital, while those in critical condition were referred to MKCG Medical College and Hospital in Berhampur for advanced treatment. Further investigation into the incident is underway.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Monalisa Panda