Tourist Bus Falls Off Bridge on NH-16 in Balasore; Driver Killed, 14 Injured

Bhubaneswar: One person was killed and at least 14 others sustained serious injuries after a tourist bus met with a major accident at Khantapada area in Balasore district on National Highway-16.

According to preliminary reports, the bus was carrying more than 50 passengers and was travelling from West Bengal to Andhra Pradesh when the mishap occurred. The accident reportedly took place after the driver allegedly dozed off at the wheel, causing the vehicle to lose control and crash off a bridge.

The driver fell from the bridge during the impact and died on the spot, police sources said.

Fourteen passengers were seriously injured in the accident and were immediately rushed to the Khantapada Community Health Centre for treatment. Their condition is stated to be critical.

Eyewitnesses said the bus remains hanging precariously from the bridge, raising concerns about further risk. Local police and rescue teams reached the spot soon after the incident and initiated rescue and relief operations.

An investigation has been launched to ascertain the exact cause of the accident.