Dhenkanal, July 13 (UDN): A head-on collision between a car and a passenger bus on the Deogaon–Tangi road under Gandia police station limits in Dhenkanal district claimed the life of one person and left three others critically injured on Sunday.

According to police, the accident occurred when a car travelling from Kapilash towards Tangi collided with an oncoming passenger bus near Deogaon. The impact of the collision left the car severely mangled, trapping its occupants inside.

Local residents and emergency responders rushed to the spot and rescued the injured. They were initially taken to the Sriramchandrapur Community Health Centre in Gandia by a 108 ambulance before being referred to the Dhenkanal District Headquarters Hospital for specialised treatment.

The driver of the car, who had sustained grievous injuries, succumbed during treatment. The remaining three occupants continue to undergo treatment, and their condition is reported to be critical.

The passenger bus, identified as “Khushi,” was travelling from Cuttack to Pallahara at the time of the accident. All passengers on board escaped unhurt, though the front portion of the bus sustained damage in the collision.

Preliminary investigation indicates that the occupants of the car were residents of the Bhuban area and were travelling towards Cuttack when the accident occurred. Police have registered a case and launched an investigation to ascertain the exact cause of the mishap.