As many as 12 people were killed and eight others were injured as two buses collided head-on under Digapahandi police limit in Ganjam district, Odisha on Sunday night.
According to officials, the accident took place around 1 am. The private bus returning from Berhampur collided with a state-run Odisha State Road Transport Corporation (OSRTC) coming from Gudari in Rayagada district, said officials.
“Pained by the bus accident in Ganjam district, Odisha. Condolences to those who lost their loved ones. May the injured recover soon. An ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh from PMNRF would be given to the next of kin of each deceased. The injured would be given Rs 50,000,” the Prime Minister's Office tweeted.
The private bus was returning after attending a marriage function. Majority of those in the private bus suffered severe injured and they were rushed to MKCG Medical College for treatment. "Seven members of a family and their relatives were among the 12 deceased," said a police officer.
According to District Magistrate of Ganjam Dibya Jyoti Parida, all possible help will be ensured for the treatment of those injured.
While talking to the reporters, Parida also said that an investigation in underway.
Berhampur SP Saravana Vivek M told reporters that the fire services teams and local police rescued all the injured.
Odisha CM Naveen Patnaik has expressed deep grief over the death of the people in the bus accident in Ganjam districy and has announced ex-gratia of Rs 3 lakh to all the deceased.