[kellyhound]

Nine persons were electrocuted and burnt to death, and 22 others injured, after a portion of a bus came in contact with a power transmission line in Golanthara area of Odisha's Ganjam district on Sunday, officials said.

Ganjam District Collector Vijay Amruta Kulange and Berhampur Superintendent of Police Pinak Mishra confirmed that 9 persons were killed in the incident.

Five bodies were recovered from the spot, while the rest succumbed to injuries later, police said.

A part of the bus caught fire after coming in contact with an 11 KV power transmission line, leading to the casualties.

Chief minister Naveen Patnaik condoled the deaths and announced an ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh each to the families of the deceased.

The chief minister also announced that free medical treatment would be provided to the injured, an official said.

The injured were admitted to MKCG Medical College and Hospital here.

Later, 5 of them were shifted to SCB Medical College and Hospital in Cuttack, he said.

The mishap occurred when the vehicle, carrying around 40 passengers, was travelling to Chikarada from Jangalpadu.

The people were on their way to attend a marriage negotiation ceremony.

State Transport Minister Padmanabha Behera said, a thorough inquiry will be conducted into the incident and strict action will be taken against the guilty.

Union Petroleum and Steel Minister Dharmendra Pradhan expressed shock over the accident and prayed for speedy recovery of the injured.

Seeking a thorough probe into the tragedy, Pradhan said, concrete steps must be taken to prevent recurrence of such incidents.

Local people along with the fire service and police personnel swung into action immediately after the accident.

Chief Fire Officer (CFO) Sukant Sethi said, the blaze has been extinguished. All those inside the vehicle have been rescued and shifted to a hospital after disconnecting the transmission line's power supply.

Preliminary information suggested that the luggage carrier of the bus came in contact with the transmission line along the road when the driver tried to give way to a two-wheeler on the narrow path, he said.

[Splay]

"Seeking a thorough probe into the tragedy, Pradhan said, concrete steps must be taken to prevent recurrence of such incidents."

No shit. Here's an idea: suspend high voltage lines higher than a bus is tall. Jesus fucking Christ.

[michael64]

I normally don't go in for Indian cuisine, but there is some tasty looking fried Punjab on the menu, I see, and well, maybe just a nibble...

[rhubarb_king]

The bus that turned into a microwave oven. I'm guessing it smelled like a pork roast with crackling?

[jintsy]

Got them to their final destination lightning fast!!!

[gimlet]

Originally Posted by rhubarb_king ↗

The bus that turned into a microwave oven. I'm guessing it smelled like a pork roast with crackling?

Correction: "...pork roast with curry..."

[gimlet]

"The people were on their way to attend a marriage negotiation ceremony"

Indians need to get their priorities straight, like removing high voltage lines from vehicle paths, before they focus on their garish, disgusting weddings. We have weddings in the USA that guys love to hate, but these dot heads weddings are unreal.

How would that negotiation go? "We give you 200 thousand rupees and life insurance policy in case bride dies in kitchen fire..."

[NUUDLZ]

Nothing like a bus full of CRISPY CURRY !!!

[Brynjar]

Bus slogan, "The comfort you deserve." Just about sums it up. A bus full of belly dancers.

[megaman]

Where was the bus CONDUCTOR!