Berhampur: Negligence on the part of the OSRTC bus driver led to the tragic road accident in Digapahandi area of Odisha’s Ganjam district, said Berhampur SP Saravana Vivek M today.

"Preliminary investigation revealed that the OSRTC bus driver's negligence and careless driving caused the road accident," the police official said.

However, alcohol consumption test of the OSRTC bus driver and private bus driver came negative, he added.

The accused driver, identified as Manas Pradhan, was today arrested by the Digapahandi police.

He had yesterday surrendered at the Bharatpur police station in Bhubaneswar. Later, a team of Digapahandi police reached the capital city and brought him to Ganjam.

After questioning him in connection with the road mishap, the Digapahandi police apprehended him. He will be forwarded to court today.

At least 12 persons of a marriage party were killed, and several others sustained injuries as the private bus carrying them and an OSRTC bus collided head-on near Digapahandi on the Berhampur-Taptapani road in Ganjam district.

The private bus lacked permit and insurance, said Ganjam RTO Manas Sahu.

“The bus does not have permit for plying during night. The vehicle also lacks insurance. The bus owner is responsible for this incident. Action will be taken against him,” the official said.

Furthermore, a report said the axle of the 25-year-old bus was in a damaged condition.