The incident occurred at approximately 9:45 AM in Godamba village under Kardega chowki limits. Registration CG 14 G 0263 bus was packed with over 24 passengers when disaster hit. A traveler urged the driver to halt, but faulty brakes sent the bus hurtling uncontrollably into a construction site near Surendra Sai’s residence.

Chaos ensued as bystanders sprang into action, summoning help and deploying machinery to free those pinned under wreckage. Ambulances whisked away the wounded, with medical teams battling to save lives.

Block Medical Officer Kuujur detailed the heartbreaking toll: fatalities include Mahesh Ram and wife Bimla from Makribandha, Jharkhand’s Sampati Devi, and father-son pair Digeshwar and infant Ghanshyam from Dhodi village. Jashpur Collector Rohit Vyas confirmed the reports.

Critical cases were airlifted to Ambikapur Medical College, as local facilities treat the rest. Adding a humane touch, CM Vishnu Dev Sai’s spouse Koushalya Devi Sai personally visited the hospital, consoling families and directing comprehensive medical support.

This accident underscores urgent needs for vehicle maintenance checks and road safety enhancements in hilly terrains prone to such perils.