Anugola: At least nine passengers were critically injured, and more than 25 others sustained injuries after a Jagannath Express bus of the Odisha State Road Transport Corporation (OSRTC) overturned on National Highway 149 near Burukuna Chhak in Kaniha block of Anugola district late on Monday night.

According to reports, the bus was travelling from Puri to Sundargarh when the driver reportedly lost control of the vehicle, causing it to overturn on the highway.

Locals, along with cops from Samal and Khamar police stations, rushed to the spot and rescued the injured passengers. They were shifted by ambulance to the Khamar Community Health Centre for treatment.

As the condition of several passengers was critical, they were later referred to the Anugola District Headquarters Hospital. Some of the critically injured were subsequently shifted to hospitals in Cuttack and Bhubaneswar for better treatment.

Samal police have launched an investigation into the cause of the accident.