The damaged truck that rammed into a bus (file picture)

Sambalpur, Nov. 6: The police are in a puzzle about the person who was at the wheel of the truck that rammed into a bus killing 10 people and injuring 20 others.

Suspicion has arisen because the cleaner of the truck has sustained severe injuries though the part of the vehicle where the driver sits was badly damaged in the mishap.

“We will conduct a detailed inquiry into the issue,” said Sambalpur superintendent of police Nikhil Kanodia.

The police, however, have arrested truck driver Bairagi Sahu in connection with the accident. It is suspected that the cleaner might have been driving the vehicle when the accident had occurred.

One of the injured, who was admitted to a private nursing home in Bargarh, said: “I was surprised to know that the driver had escaped unhurt and that Pappu Sahu, who identified himself as the truck’s cleaner, had sustained severe injuries. Sahu had to be admitted to VSS Medical College and Hospital at Burla. Since the driver’s side of the truck was badly damaged, it will be logical to apprehend that the person sitting in the driver’s seat should be injured.”

“If the driver was in the driving seat, he should have sustained injuries. But in this case, the cleaner of the truck was badly hurt. He has also broken his leg. It clearly indicates that he might have been driving the vehicle. The police should investigate into the matter seriously,” said Yogesh Badhei, a witness to the accident.