Bhubaneswar, 22 May (H.S.): In a tragic road accident, at least six persons lost their lives and four others sustained critical injuries after a speeding bus allegedly rammed into an auto-rickshaw near Ladakapalli Chhak under Purushottampur police limits in Odisha’s Ganjam district on Friday.

According to preliminary information, around ten members of a family were travelling in the auto-rickshaw to offer prayers at the renowned Maa Singhasini temple when the mishap occurred. Eyewitnesses alleged that the bus struck the three-wheeler from behind and dragged it for a considerable distance, leaving the vehicle mangled and causing severe injuries to its occupants.

Three passengers reportedly died on the spot due to the impact of the collision. The remaining seven injured persons were rescued by local residents and police personnel and rushed to Kodala Medical for treatment. However, doctors declared three more victims dead on arrival, raising the death toll to six.

The condition of the four surviving victims is stated to be critical. They were subsequently shifted to MKCG Medical College and Hospital in Berhampur for advanced medical care.

Following the accident, the bus driver allegedly fled the scene along with the vehicle. Police teams from Kodala and Purushottampur rushed to the spot and launched an investigation. Efforts are underway to identify the bus involved and trace the absconding driver.

Further details are awaited as the investigation progresses.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Monalisa Panda