At least five people were killed, and more than 20 others were injured after a passenger bus overturned in Chhattisgarh’s Jashpur district on Friday, triggering a major rescue operation by local authorities and emergency services. The accident occurred near Godaamba village under the Tapkara police station limits when the bus reportedly went out of control and turned turtle on the road.
According to police officials, the bus was travelling from Kurdeg in neighbouring Jharkhand to Kunkuri town in Chhattisgarh when the incident occurred. The sudden loss of control by the driver caused the vehicle to overturn, resulting in multiple casualties and injuries among the passengers.
Driver Lost Control Near Village
Authorities said the accident took place when the driver lost control of the vehicle near Godaamba village, leading to the bus overturning on the road. The impact of the crash caused severe injuries to several passengers travelling in the bus.
Officials confirmed that five passengers died in the accident, while around 20 others sustained injuries of varying degrees.
Some of the injured were reported to be in critical condition and were immediately shifted to nearby hospitals for treatment.
Rescue Operation Launched
Soon after the accident was reported, local police teams, emergency services and rescue personnel rushed to the spot. Villagers from nearby areas also joined the rescue efforts to help pull trapped passengers out of the overturned bus.
Ambulances were quickly arranged to transport the injured to medical facilities in the region. Police officials said the prompt response helped ensure that several victims received timely medical assistance.
Authorities confirmed that the injured passengers are currently undergoing treatment at nearby hospitals.
Investigation Underway
Police have launched an investigation to determine the exact cause of the accident. Preliminary findings suggest that the driver may have lost control of the vehicle, although other factors such as mechanical failure or road conditions are also being examined.
Officials are collecting statements from survivors and eyewitnesses to reconstruct the sequence of events leading to the accident.
Further details are expected after a detailed technical examination of the vehicle.
Road Safety Concerns Raised
The tragic accident has once again highlighted concerns about road safety in several parts of the country. Overcrowded buses, poor road infrastructure and mechanical failures are often cited as contributing factors in such accidents.
Authorities have repeatedly stressed the importance of regular vehicle inspections and adherence to traffic safety norms to prevent such incidents.
Local officials also urged transport operators to ensure proper maintenance of vehicles and strict compliance with safety regulations.
Authorities Monitor Situation
Senior district officials and police officers are closely monitoring the situation following the accident. Rescue and relief operations continued for several hours to ensure that all passengers were safely evacuated from the damaged bus.
Meanwhile, authorities are coordinating with hospitals to ensure proper treatment for the injured passengers.
The tragic incident has left the region in shock, with officials promising a thorough investigation into the cause of the accident.