Six killed, four injured after bus rams autorickshaw in Odisha’s Ganjam

At least six people were killed and four others injured after a passenger bus collided with an autorickshaw in Odisha’s Ganjam district on Friday morning. The accident took place near Ladkapalli Square under the Purushottampur police station area when the bus hit the three-wheeler carrying passengers travelling towards the Maa Singhasini shrine.

Police said three passengers died on the spot, while three others later succumbed to injuries during treatment at hospital. The injured were initially taken to the Kodala Community Health Centre before being shifted to MKCG Medical College and Hospital in Berhampur for further treatment. Authorities said four injured persons remain under medical care.

According to police officials, the autorickshaw was carrying around 10 passengers from Erendra village in Chikiti block. The group was travelling for a pilgrimage to the Singhasani shrine in Polsara when the accident occurred. Investigators alleged that the passenger bus, travelling from Purushottampur to Berhampur, struck the autorickshaw from behind and dragged it several metres before stopping.

Police said the identities of the deceased were yet to be confirmed. The bus driver allegedly fled the spot following the collision, and efforts are underway to trace him. Authorities have seized both vehicles and sent the bodies for postmortem examination while an investigation into the incident continues.