Odisha bus accident: 12 killed, PM announces ex-gratia

Bhubaneswar: At least 12 passengers were killed and several others sustained injuries after an OSRTC bus collided head-on with a private bus near Digapahandi in Odisha’s Ganjam district in the wee hours of Monday.

The injured passengers of both buses have been admitted to MKCG Medical College and Hospital in Berhampur.

“In a tragic bus accident last night near Khemundi college under Sanakhemundi tahasil,10 people died. 8 injured persons under treatment at MKCG Medical College, Berhampur. ₹30 thousands provided to each injured person for treatment under supervision of @Ganjam_Admin,” tweeted the Special Relief Commissioner (SRC) office.

Expressing grief over the Ganjam bus accident, Prime Minister Narendra Modi today announced ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh for the next of kin of each deceased.

Modi also announced that Rs 50,000 will be provided to each injured victim.

“Pained by the bus accident in Ganjam district, Odisha. Condolences to those who lost their loved ones. May the injured recover soon,” the PM tweeted.

Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik has announced ex-gratia of Rs 3 lakh to the next of kin of each deceased. He also announced free medical treatment for the injured victims.

Naveen directed Finance Minister Bikram Keshari Arukha and Berhampur MLA Bikram Panda to rush to the spot to monitor the situation.