Bhubaneswar, July 23: More than 15 passengers were injured after a private passenger bus carrying around 50 to 60 people lost control and overturned into a roadside field near Aunli village under Borigumma police limits in Odisha's Koraput district on Wednesday. The mishap triggered panic among passengers and prompted a swift rescue operation by locals, firefighters and police.

The bus, 'Jaga Kalia', was travelling from Chandahandi in Nabarangpur district to Gunupur when the accident occurred. According to local residents, the bus had been delayed in Nabarangpur and was allegedly moving at a high speed towards Jeypore in an attempt to make up for lost time. Near Aunli village, the driver reportedly lost control of the vehicle, causing it to first hit a roadside divider before overturning into an adjacent field.

The impact of the crash left the bus badly damaged, with shattered glass and passengers' belongings scattered across the accident site. Cries for help filled the area as several passengers sustained injuries, while some remained trapped inside the overturned vehicle.

Farmers working in nearby fields rushed to the spot immediately and began rescuing the victims even before emergency teams arrived. Fire service personnel from Nabarangpur and Borigumma later joined the rescue operation and successfully extricated those trapped inside the bus.

The injured passengers were shifted to Nabarangpur District Headquarters Hospital and Borigumma Hospital for treatment. Their condition is being monitored by doctors.

Meanwhile, Borigumma police reached the scene and launched an investigation into the accident. Officials said the exact cause of the mishap is being examined, including whether overspeeding or any mechanical failure contributed to the bus losing control.

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