Ganjam Bus Accident: Faulty Bus Without Permit and Insurance Caused Deaths

Berhampur: In the aftermath of the tragic bus accident in Odisha’s Ganjam that claimed the lives of at least 12 individuals, shocking news related to the concerned bus has emerged. Ganjam RTO Manas Sahu revealed that the bus lacked the necessary permit and insurance. The RTO stated that the bus did not have permission to operate at night and was also uninsured. The bus owner bears responsibility for this incident, and appropriate action will be taken against them.

In addition, a report indicated that the 25-year-old bus had a damaged axle. A complaint has been filed with the police, and an investigation is currently underway. The vehicle was registered on March 26, 1998, and its fitness certificate is valid until November 24, 2023. However, the bus’s insurance had expired on April 13, 2023.

The accident occurred late at night when the private bus carrying a marriage party collided head-on with an OSRTC bus near Digapahandi on the Berhampur-Taptapani road in the Ganjam district. The tragedy resulted in the loss of seven members of a family and their relatives who were returning to Khandadeuli near Digapahandi after attending a wedding party in Berhampur. Additionally, seven others were injured in the collision and were promptly taken to MKCG Medical College and Hospital for treatment. Two of the injured individuals have been transferred to SCB Medical College and Hospital in Cuttack for further medical care.

The authorities are actively investigating the incident, and the bus owner will face consequences for their negligence.