A major tragedy was averted on National Highway 55 today when a pilgrim bus from Maharashtra narrowly escaped a fatal collision near Koriyaan Chack, Dhenkanal. The bus, carrying 48 devotees from Nashik, was returning home after a spiritual journey to Puri.
In the early hours of April 20, the bus nearly rammed into a stationary truck parked on the roadside. Showing remarkable presence of mind, the driver maneuvered the vehicle onto a nearby sandbank. This split-second decision prevented a catastrophic crash, keeping all 48 passengers—hailing from Chandgarh village—completely unharmed.
While the passengers are safe, the driver sustained minor injuries and is currently receiving treatment at the Dhenkanal District Headquarters Hospital. The National Highway Patrol Team arrived promptly to facilitate the rescue.
These pilgrims had been on a multi-city tour since April 6; thanks to their driver’s bravery and skill, they can now return home with their lives and their memories of Lord Jagannath intact.