Odisha: 8 killed, 13 others injured as passenger vehicle ram into station truck
Bhubaneswar: Eight persons were killed and 13 others injured, many of them seriously, as the passenger van carrying them hit a truck from behind on National Highway 20 near Balijodi in Odisha’s Keonjhar district on Friday morning.
Five of the injured ones were admitted to the Keonjhar District Headquarters Hospital. The persons who sustained serious injuries were sent to SCB Medical College and Hospital in Cuttack.
According to Keonjhar district collector and magistrate, Ashish Thakre, the deceased and injured persons belonged to Digapahandi in Ganjam distirct.
As per reports, the victims were on their way to Tarini Temple at Ghatagaon in Keonjhar district to offer their prayers. The vehicle hit a stationary truck parked on the roadside near Balijodi, around 3 km away from the temple.
Though the reason behind the accident was yet to be ascertained, it was suspected the mishap occurred due to poor visibility caused by foggy conditions.
The police started investigation into the incident.
Local Ghatagaon Sub-Divisional Police Officer (SDPO) Surashan Gangaisaid, "As many 21 persons from two families from Digapahandi were on their way to Tarini Temple. The van was maintaining a high speed when it rammed into the stationary truck. We will take steps to stop trucks from parking on the road."
Expressing grief over the death of eight persons in the road accident, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik announced ex-gratia of Rs 3 lakh for the next of kin of each deceased.
The ex-gratia amount will be provided from the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund.
Besides, the Chief Minister also declared free treatment for those who were injured in the road mishap.
Notably, thousands of iron ore-laden trucks resort to on-road parking on National Highway 20 causing driving inconveniences to others. While this kind of dangerous parking has resulted in many accidents and loss of lives in the past, the practice still continues.
Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) national vice president Baijayant Panda expressed his condolences over the accident. Taking to 'X,' he wrote, "I am deeply saddened to hear the news of a fatal road accident near Balijodi, Ghatgaon in Keonjhar district. I express my deepest condolences to the bereaved family and pray to Maa Tarini for the speedy recovery of the injured."
