At least 20 passengers had a narrow escape after a travellers vehicle met with an accident at Taptapani Ghat along the Ganjam–Gajapati border on Sunday. Three persons, including the driver, sustained injuries and were admitted to Digapahandi Medical for treatment.
The mishap occurred near Palukhola under Patapur police limits when the travellers vehicle rammed into an iron-rod-laden truck that had been parked on the roadside due to a mechanical breakdown. The collision left the driver and two passengers injured.
Emergency services rushed to the spot, and the injured were shifted to Digapahandi Medical in an 108 ambulance. Hospital sources said their condition is stable.
According to reports, the travellers vehicle was carrying over 20 passengers who were travelling from Bhubaneswar on a picnic trip to Taptapani and Jirang. While passing through the Taptapani Ghat stretch near Palukhola, the vehicle allegedly failed to spot the stationary truck and crashed into it.
The incident triggered panic among passengers, though a major tragedy was avoided. Police reached the site soon after being alerted and launched an investigation into the cause of the accident. Traffic in the area was briefly disrupted before being restored.
