Angul, Sept 12: The driver of the bus identified as Birendra Behera, carrying around 60-65 persons from Boudh to Athamallick, who had lost control of the vehicle following which the bus fell off the bridge where atleast 19 were killed and around 30 others are stated to be critical, was nabbed by the police on Sunday near Athmallick College.
The driver of the bus had fled from the spot after the mishap. The police had registered a complaint against him in Athamallick police station.
As per the information from Angul ASP Pradip Mishra, the driver was nabbed by the special team while he was on his way on Athamallick-Sambalpur road on a bike. The driver confessed that due to his absent-mindedness as he was talking on his mobile, the road mishap took place. He had left for Boudh after the incident and had come back to Athamallick perhaps to consult a lawyer. He would be produced before the court on Monday, Mishra added.
Notably, in a road mishap near Deulijhari in Angul district on Friday, atleast 19 were killed and around 30 others are stated to be critical when the bus carrying them fell off a bridge at Puruna Manitri.
Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik expressed sorrow and had directed the police personnel and district administration to take quick steps for the treatment of the injured and also announced that the medical treatment would be provided free of cost. He also announced the compensation of Rs 2 lakh to the kin of each deceased.
