A major mishap was averted when a bus en route to Sambalpur was hit by a truck from behind near Katapali Chhak at Burla on Tuesday.
At least two persons were injured in the mishap.
Sources said the private bus which was carrying 40 passengers was on its way to Sambalpur from Jeypore in Koraput district when the truck all of a sudden collided with it at around 5.30 am.
The intensity of the crash was so high that the bus turned turtle after the driver lost control over the vehicle. As a result, the bus driver and conductor suffered grievous injuries. They were rescued, given first aid and sent to the Burla hospital. Besides, the bus was lifted with the help of a crane.
Around 25 students from the Koraput Medical College were travelling to the Burla Medical College in the bus when the accident occurred.
The truck driver fled leaving his vehicle on the spot. Ppolice seized the truck and started an inquiry into the incident.