RAIPUR: Chhattisgarh witnessed horrific road accidents on Friday as two separate bus crashes in the districts of Baloda Bazar and Jashpur claimed the lives of 10 people and left around three dozen injured. Officials in both districts have confirmed the fatalities.
In a fatal collision caught on camera, a high speed truck rammed into a passenger bus in the Bhatapara Simga area of Baloda Bazar district, about 50 km from the state capital.
The accident occurred on the National Highway near Darchura village, killing five passengers including women and children.
Immediate relief efforts were launched by local residents who rushed to the spot, with police teams from the surrounding jurisdictions arriving shortly after to coordinate the evacuation.
An RBS Company bus was struck with such force by the speeding truck that 29 other passengers sustained injuries in Baloda Bazar.
The injured were rushed to the Government Medical College Hospital in Raipur, where medical teams remain on high alert as several survivors continue to be in critical condition.
The second tragedy struck under the jurisdiction of the Tapkara Police Station in Jashpur district, about 350 km from Raipur, when a passenger bus veered off the road and overturned. The accident left five people dead on the spot and several others injured.
Local police and residents worked to extricate passengers trapped inside the overturned vehicle. The injured are currently receiving treatment at the Kunkuri hospital, while those with life threatening injuries are being monitored closely.
Authorities have launched investigations into both accidents. While the Baloda Bazar crash was allegedly the result of a high speed rear end collision by a heavy goods vehicle, the Jashpur incident is being probed for possible mechanical failure or driver negligence.
Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai expressed deep grief over the loss of lives, extending his condolences to the bereaved families. He has directed the respective district administrations to ensure that the best possible medical treatment is provided to the injured and has ordered a thorough investigation into the cause of the accidents.