Keonjhar: A major tragedy was averted after a private passenger bus carrying more than 35 people overturned on the Kanjipani-Telkoi Barabanka ghat road in Keonjhar district on Tuesday morning.While two passengers suffered minor injuries, the others escaped unharmed. The accident occurred around 7.15 am when the bus, Shri Durga Madhav, was travelling from Kaliahata in Telkoi block to Keonjhar. Sources said the vehicle developed a mechanical fault while negotiating the Barabanka ghat stretch and began rolling backwards down the slope instead of climbing uphill.The driver reportedly tried to control the bus and prevent it from plunging down the steep road. In the process, the vehicle overturned. Personnel from Kanjipani police station and Telkoi fire brigade rushed to the spot and rescued passengers. Two of them suffered minor injuries, while the remaining passengers safely reached the foothill before continuing their journey in another bus.The incident has once again raised concerns over safety on the accident-prone ghat road, where locals claim mishaps occur frequently despite repeated demands for preventive measures.Kanjipani IIC Uday Giri Kullu said the bus overturned after failing to climb the steep stretch. “No one suffered serious injuries. The passengers were shifted safely and continued their journey on another bus,” he said.
