By Matters India Reporter
Bamunigam, January 22, 2019: Prior to the priestly ordination of four deacons of Cuttack-Bhubaneswar Archdiocese, a road accident claimed at least 13 lives including women and children and left more than 35 critically injured in Kandhamal district of Odisha, Eastern India, January 22.
According to sources, the mishap took place this morning near Bangadadua Ghat when the mini-truck carrying over 40 passengers was en route to Brahmanigaon from Kalingi. The driver of the truck suddenly lost control over the vehicle following which the vehicle plunged into the gorge.
The people were travelling to attend the ordination of four deacons at Our Lady of Lourdes Church, Bamunigam of Kandhamal district.
Divine Word Archbishop John Barwa of Cuttack-Bhubaneswar ordained deacons Divyaranjan Digal, Akshaya Senapati, Ananta Uthansingh and Deepak B. Singh. They hail from different parishes of Kandhamal district.
It is feared that the number of deaths may rise. The details of death and injured are not yet available, Father Augustine Singh, who attended the ordination ceremony, told Matters India.
“The tragedy is too shocking. It is the saddest event in the region on the priestly Ordination day. May the departed souls find rest in heavenly abode and the survivors receive strength from God,” Father Singh said.
Kandhamal District Collector and Sub-collector rushed to Brahmanigam hospital after relatives of the deceased persons demanded a compensation, reported OTV.