Nayagarh

At least five people, including four women, were killed and more than 20 others injured after a tourist bus met with an accident in Odisha’s Nayagarh district late Friday night, police said.

The private bus, carrying over 40 passengers, was travelling from Berhampur to Harishankar on a trip when it reportedly lost control. The vehicle crashed into a roadside rock and overturned, causing severe damage.

According to officials, the impact was very strong, throwing several passengers out of the bus. More than 10 people were trapped under the damaged vehicle, making rescue efforts difficult.

The deceased include the driver and four passengers identified as Hari Patra, Laxmi Patra, Suprabha Sahu and Sumati Sahu, all residents of Berhampur.

Soon after the accident, rescue teams from nearby police stations, along with fire service personnel and ambulances, reached the spot. A major rescue operation was carried out, and those trapped inside were pulled out using gas cutters.

The injured were first taken to a nearby hospital for immediate treatment. Around 15 passengers who were seriously hurt were later shifted to the District Headquarters Hospital for better medical care.

Police officials said that a detailed investigation has been started to find out the exact cause of the accident.