Cuttack: A private bus fell off bridge over Mahanadi River here this evening.
According to reports, a private bus named ‘Jagannath’ carrying over 30 passengers fell 30 feet below into the river bed after hitting a buffalo.
On being informed, firefighters and ODRAF team arrived on the spot and are carrying out the rescue operation. Rope ladders and boats also have been engaged to rescue the passengers.
Director General Fire, HG & CD Odisha Bijay Kumar Sharma informed that Odisha Fire personnel engaged in the rescue operation.
Odisha Fire personnel engaged in rescue of passengers of a bus that has fallen off Mahanadi bridge at Cuttack
— Bijay Kumar Sharma (@BijayKumarShar7) November 20, 2018
Cuttack DCP Akhileshvar Singh along with a team of the police is also on the spot.
The bus was on its way to Cuttack from Talcher.
There was no immediate report of any loss of life.
Meanwhile, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik expressed his serious concern over the incident and directed Health Minister Pratap Jena to visit the spot and take stock of the situation.
Besides, the CM asked the fire officials and district administration to expedite the rescue operation.
Details awaited.
Kalinga AI