New Delhi: In a major road mishap in Odisha, at least nine people were electrocuted to death and 25 others were injured, when a bus caught fire after it came in contact with an overhead power transmission line in Ganjam district on Sunday. Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik expressed his condolences over the incident, and announced an ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh to the next of the kin of the deceased.

He also announced free medical treatment to the injured, said a statement from the Chief Minister's Office (CMO).

The accident took place near Nandarajpur under the Golanthara police limits of Ganjam district.’

Ganjam District Collector Vijay Amruta Kulange and Berhampur Superintendent of Police Pinak Mishra confirmed that nine persons were killed in the incident.

Five bodies were recovered from the spot, while the rest succumbed to injuries later, police said.

A part of the bus caught fire after coming in contact with an 11 KV power transmission line, leading to the casualties, the Sub Divisional Police Officer (SDPO), Berhampur Sadar, Jayant Kumar Mohapatra, said.

The injured were admitted to MKCG Medical College and Hospital here.

Later, five of them were shifted to SCB Medical College and Hospital in Cuttack, he said.

The deceased have been identified and post-mortem examination of the bodies has been completed.

The mishap occurred near Mandarajpur when the vehicle, carrying around 40 passengers, was travelling to Chikarada from Jangalpadu.

The people were on their way to attend a marriage negotiation ceremony, Mohapatra said.

State Transport Minister Padmanabha Behera said, a thorough inquiry will be conducted into the incident and strict action will be taken against the guilty.

Union Petroleum and Steel Minister Dharmendra Pradhan expressed shock over the accident and prayed for speedy recovery of the injured.

Seeking a thorough probe into the tragedy, Pradhan said, concrete steps must be taken to prevent recurrence of such incidents.

Local people along with the fire service and police personnel swung into action immediately after the accident.

Chief Fire Officer (CFO) Sukant Sethi said, the blaze has been extinguished. All those inside the vehicle have been rescued and shifted to a hospital after disconnecting the transmission line's power supply.

Preliminary information suggested that the luggage carrier of the bus came in contact with the transmission line along the road when the driver tried to give way to a two-wheeler on the narrow path, he said.

Mentioning that the first priority was to rescue the injured and ensure proper medical treatment for them, the SP said, an inquiry into the incident has been initiated and further action would be launched on the basis of the findings.

Power distribution agency SOUTHCO will examine the circumstances that led to the mishap and appropriate action will be taken on the basis of their report, the SP said.

(with inputs from agencies)