Baripada: The mishap-prone Bangiriposi ghat in Odisha's Mayurbhanj district saw yet another accident which left over six dead and 12 injured after a Jatra troupe truck fell into a 20-ft gorge here today.

While the death toll was five till reports came in, it is suspected to go higher as many more people are feared trapped under the vehicle.

As per reports, the truck, identified as that of Dhauli Jatra troupe, was carrying light and sound systems along with 16 persons. It was heading from Rairangpur via Jaleswar when the mishap took place on NH 49 at Duarsuni ghat in Bangiriposi at around 11.30 am.

Preliminary investigation indicated brake failure due to fog and light rain which could have led the driver to lose control as the vehicle overturned after hitting the sidewall and fell into the 20-ft gorge. The workers riding in the back of the lorry and the heavy sound and light boxes too fell down into the steep valley. While more than six people were killed on the spot, over 12 of them suffered critical injuries.

Police and fire services reached the spot and started investigation. Sources said the rescue operation is ongoing but is the team is unable to pick up pace due to the rains. All the injured victims have been rushed to Bangiriposi hospital and later to PRM Medical College and Hospital, they added.

Expressing grief over the tragic mishap, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik has announced an ex-gratia of Rs 3 lakhs each to the deceased persons' next of kin.

He also instructed authorities to provide adequate treatment of the injured persons.