Bhubaneswar, Feb 13: A tragic accident left 35 pilgrims from Odisha’s Balasore district injured when their bus collided with a stationary sand-laden dumper truck near Mathani on the Bihar-Uttar Pradesh border late Wednesday night. Among them, three passengers are in critical condition and are currently undergoing treatment in the ICU.

The victims, all residents of Chandaneswar village under Bhograi block in Balasore, were on their way to the Prayagraj Maha Kumbh Mela when the mishap occurred around 12:50 AM. According to passengers, the accident was caused by the driver falling asleep at the wheel, leading the bus to crash into the truck from behind.

Following the accident, the bus driver, identified as Sriram Ji, fled the scene, abandoning the injured passengers. Local authorities and rescue teams later arrived to provide medical assistance.

Three critically injured passengers—Subhas Behera (42) from Kumar Sarisa village, Bapi Sasmal (35), and Rajakishore Sahu (50) from Naguan village—are battling for their lives. The incident has raised concerns over road safety and the need for stricter enforcement of driving regulations on long-distance pilgrimage routes.

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