Balasore, Sept 7: In a major road mishap, a pilgrimage bus carrying devotees from West Bengal overturned near Radhaballavpur on National Highway 16 under the jurisdiction of Soro Police Station late last night. The bus reportedly lost control, mounted a divider, and flipped over, leaving more than 20 passengers injured.

According to sources, around 140 pilgrims from Mohanpur in West Bengal’s Medinipur district were returning home in two buses after visiting Digha and Puri. The accident occurred as the group was en route back from Puri.

Eyewitnesses reported that one of the buses veered off course and overturned after climbing a road divider. Local authorities, along with emergency services, promptly reached the spot and carried out rescue operations.

All injured passengers were rushed to the Soro Community Health Centre for initial treatment. Among them, several sustained critical injuries and were later referred to hospitals in Balasore and Simulia for advanced medical care.

Police have launched an investigation into the cause of the accident. Preliminary reports suggest that the driver may have lost control due to drowsiness or high speed, though an official statement is awaited.

Tags: accident