Over 10 Injured As Bus, Pickup Van Collide Head-on In Odisha’s Ganjam

Bhubaneswar: At least 10 people were injured, some of them critically, in a head-on collision between a passenger mini-bus and a pickup van in Odisha’s Ganjam district on Sunday, police said.

The accident occurred near Jhatipitia under Digapahandi police station limits when the mini-bus, carrying over 20 passengers, collided with a pickup van transporting dried fish. The impact was severe, leaving the front portions of both vehicles mangled and causing the pickup van to overturn at the spot.

Officials said more than 15 people sustained injuries, with two to three victims reported to be in a critical condition. Both drivers suffered serious injuries and were shifted to Berhampur for advanced medical care.

Local residents rushed to the scene immediately after the crash and alerted the police and fire services. Rescue teams from Digapahandi police station and the fire service carried out evacuation operations and shifted the injured to nearby hospitals.

While most of the injured are being treated at Digapahandi Hospital, those in critical condition have been referred to MKCG Medical College and Hospital in Berhampur, officials said.

Preliminary investigations suggest overspeeding and rash driving may have led to the accident. No fatalities have been reported so far, though passengers described moments of panic following the collision.

Police have begun examining the accident site to determine the exact sequence of events. Further details are awaited.