Odisha bus accident kills 19

At least 19 persons were killed and around 30 injured when a bus fell off a bridge in Odisha's Angul district on Friday.

The tragedy took place near Puruna Manitri in Angul district when the driver lost control over the wheels. The bus fell off the bridge from a height of 50 feet.

Angul Collector Anil Samal said the accident took place when the vehicle, with around 50 passengers, was on the way to Athmallik from Boudh.

While 16 people died on the spot, three died in hospital. As many as 22 injured were shifted to SCB Medical College and Hospital in Cuttack after their condition deteriorated. Some were shifted through air ambulance.

"The driver has fled," said an official, Gopal Patnaik.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed grief over the accident.

"Bus accident ... is heart-rending. My thoughts and prayers are with the bereaved families and injured," Modi tweeted.

Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik announced free treatment to the injured and Rs 2 lakh compensation to the kin of each deceased.

"This is a tragic incident. The reason behind it will be probed," said Transport Minister Ramesh Majhi.

--IANS

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