Cuttack: At least seven persons were killed and more than 20 others were injured after the bus they were traveling fell off a bridge into the Mahanadi River bed here this evening.
DGP RP Sharma on his Twitter handle confirmed about the death of the passengers.
I am extremely saddened to know about seven deaths…RIP…most of the other injured have been shifted to the hospital and are receiving treatment….wish them a speedy recovery….
— Dr. Rajendra Sharma. (@DrRajendraShar2) November 20, 2018
However, none of the deceased has been identified yet.
All the rescued persons have been wheeled into the SCB Medical College and Hospital for treatment. The Cuttack district administration has made elaborate arrangements for their treatment in the hospital.
The state police also issued a helpline number (+916712304001) for the people to reach out to their injured relatives, if any.
A bus named ‘Jagannath’ fell 30 feet below into the river bed after hitting a buffalo while it was on its way to Cuttack from Talcher.
ODRAF teams, Fire brigade personnel, and Commissionerate Police were engaged in the rescue operations.
Meanwhile, Odisha CM Naveen Patnaik has directed the state Health Minister Pratap Jena and Sports Minister Chandra Sarathi Behera to expedite the rescue operation and provide treatment to the injured persons.
The death toll is likely to increase as most of the injured as said to be critical.
Also Read: Bus Falls Off Bridge Over Mahanadi River After Hitting Buffalo In Odisha