An Odisha State Road Transport Corporation (OSRTC) Volvo bus carrying 49 passengers overturned into a farm near Akhusingi village under Padmapur block in Bargarh district in the early hours of Wednesday.

According to sources, the bus was en route from Puri to Kotpad along National Highway-326 when the driver reportedly lost control, causing the vehicle to veer off the road and topple into an adjacent farm in the wee hours. The sudden loss of balance left the bus lying on its side, partially damaged.

Padmapur Police and Fire Services personnel rushed to the spot and rescued trapped passengers by breaking the front glass panel. All injured individuals were then shifted to Padmapur Medical for immediate treatment.

Reports added that most passengers sustained only minor injuries, with around 15 passengers requiring first aid. Authorities arranged for those discharged from the hospital to be safely transported to their destinations.

Eyewitnesses at the scene reported panic among passengers following the crash, with several carrying luggage and personal belongings through the field before being assisted by rescue teams.

Initial assessments suggest that road conditions and possible driver fatigue might have contributed to the mishap, though an official investigation is underway.

Earlier incident involving OSRTC bus turns fatal

This is not the first time an OSRTC vehicle has been involved in a serious road mishap this year. In May, a tragic accident at Barasahi near Pubusahi in Khordha town claimed the life of a three-year-old child.

The boy was travelling with his parents on a motorcycle an OSRTC bus hit them. The child died on the spot, while both parents sustained grievous injuries and were hospitalised.