25-Yrs.Old Private Bus Involved in Accident has no Valid Papers (!).Owner to be Punished

Odishabarta

Berhampur: After the death of at least 11 people in a horrific road accident in Odisha’s Ganjam district, it has come to light that the private bus involved in the mishap had been running without permit and insurance.

The private bus which was involved in the collision with an OCRTC bus does not have permit for plying during night, according to Ganjam RTO Manas Sahu.

Stating that the vehicle also lacks insurance, he said the owner of the bus owner is responsible for this tragic accident and action will be taken against him.

As per information, the axle of the 25-year-old bus was in a damaged condition. A complaint in this regard has been lodged with police and an investigation is in progress.

Sources said the vehicle was registered on March 26, 1998 and its fitness is valid up to November 24, 2023. However, the insurance of the bus has expired as it was valid till April 13, 2023. Questions are now being raised over the issuance of fitness certificate for the vehicle.

At least 11 members of a marriage party were killed, and several others sustained critical injuries when the private bus carrying them and an OSRTC bus collided head-on near Digapahandi on the Berhampur-Taptapani road in Ganjam district in the wee hours of Monday.

The injured have been admitted to MKCG Medical College and Hospital here for treatment. Two of the injured were shifted to SCB Medical College and Hospital in Cuttack.