Balasore, July 8: More than 10 pilgrims sustained serious injuries after a mini bus returning from Puri rammed into the rear of a stationary truck on National Highway-16 in Odisha's Balasore district late on Tuesday night.

The accident occurred near Kundupur Chhak under the jurisdiction of Basta police station. The pilgrims were returning after offering prayers at the Jagannath Temple in Puri when the mishap took place.

According to preliminary information, the Tata Winger mini bus crashed into a truck parked along the roadside. The impact was so severe that the front portion of the vehicle was completely crushed, leaving several passengers trapped inside.

On being informed, personnel from the National Highway patrol, Basta police and the Fire Services rushed to the spot and launched a rescue operation. After hours of effort, the trapped passengers were rescued and shifted to a nearby hospital in ambulances.

More than 10 pilgrims were seriously injured in the accident. While all the injured were admitted for treatment, some of those in critical condition were referred to higher medical centres for advanced care.

Police later removed the damaged vehicles from the highway with the help of a crane, restoring normal traffic movement. The exact cause of the accident is yet to be ascertained, and an investigation is underway.