Phulbani: In a tragic road mishap, as many as three persons were killed and several others sustained grievous injuries as a private bus named ‘Salunki’ in which they were travelling turned turtle near Kaliasahi of Phiringia in Kandhamal district, today evening.

According to a source, the ill-fated bus was on its way from Muniguda locality to Phulbani town in the district when it met with an accident leading to the deaths. More than 50 passengers were on board. Driver of the bus lost control of the vehicle and it overturned. Two of the passengers died on the spot. However, a critically injured passenger died in the hospital while undergoing treatment.

On being informed, Phiringia police and local fire services personnel reached the spot and launched a rescue operation. The injured were sent to a nearby health facility in critical condition.

“Two passengers died on the spot and one more died at the community health centre (CHC) in Phiringia. Some of the injured were later shifted to the district headquarters hospital (DHH) in Phulbani after their health conditions deteriorated,” an eyewitness expressed.

“The private bus overturned when it was negotiating a turning. The death toll is likely to rise as several passengers are in critical condition. Some of the passengers are believed to have been trapped under the bus,” the eyewitness added.