Woman Journalist Killed in Bus–Scooter Collision on Bhubaneswar–Puri Highway

Bhubaneswar: A fatal road accident on the Bhubaneswar–Puri National Highway on Tuesday claimed the lives of two women, including a journalist, after a private bus collided with a scooter near Jamalpura Square under Pipili police station limits.

The journalist has been identified as Sheela Pattanayak, while the identity of the second victim is yet to be confirmed by authorities.

Police said the two women were travelling from Bhubaneswar to Puri when the scooter reportedly skidded on a sand pile lying on the roadway near Mangalpur. Moments later, a private bus approaching from behind rammed into the two-wheeler.

The collision was intense, dragging the scooter for nearly 20 metres. Sheela Pattanayak died at the spot, while the other woman was critically injured and rushed to a nearby hospital, where she was declared dead.

Pipili police reached the scene, seized both the bus and the scooter, and launched an investigation into the incident. Officials said further action will be taken after examining eyewitness accounts and technical evidence.