Balasore: One person was killed and 14 others, including children, were seriously injured after a Bhubaneswar-bound minibus crashed into a tree on National Highway-16 near Matiapada under Simulia police limits in Odisha's Balasore district.

According to preliminary information, the passengers, all residents of the Dumduma area in Bhubaneswar, were returning home after attending a wedding in Kolkata. The accident occurred when the driver reportedly fell asleep, causing the vehicle to lose control and ram into a roadside tree.

The deceased has been identified as Shoaib Ansari. The impact of the collision left 14 passengers critically injured.

The victims were shifted to the Simulia Hospital by ambulance. Those in critical condition were later referred to the Bhadrak District Headquarters Hospital for better treatment.

Police from Simulia station reached the accident site and have begun an investigation into the incident.