by Three young girls tragically lost their lives in a devastating accident that occurred in Nayagarh district on Friday night. The incident took place when a bus carrying the girls collided head-on with a truck, allegedly driven by its helper who was under the influence of alcohol.
According to reports, the collision resulted in the immediate death of two girls, while another succumbed to her injuries while undergoing treatment at a hospital. The victims have been identified as Amrita Sahoo (13), Chinmayee Priyadarshini (15), and Lopamudra Pradhan (15). Additionally, six other passengers sustained injuries in the accident, with two of them being shifted to a hospital in Bhubaneswar for further medical assistance.
The tragic incident occurred around 11:15 pm within Banigocha police limits. Soon after the accident, Nayagarh SP Rahul Jain and officials from the Transport department rushed to the scene to initiate an investigation into the matter.
Police authorities revealed that the collision took place in the Salabhanga forest area, where heavy fog hindered visibility. The truck involved in the accident was allegedly being driven by its helper, who was reportedly intoxicated, while the driver was seated beside him. The truck collided head-on with the bus and grazed the right side of the passenger vehicle. Unfortunately, the three victims and the injured passengers were seated on the side of the bus that bore the brunt of the collision.
It has been revealed that a coaching institute in Daspalla had rented the bus for an excursion-cum-study tour to Harishankar and other locations in Balangir district. Approximately 40 passengers, including students and parents, had embarked on the journey at 10:30 pm.
The helper and driver of the truck have been apprehended, and the vehicle has been seized. A thorough investigation is underway, and appropriate action will be taken accordingly. Transport department officials have requested that the police charge the duo under section 304 of the Indian Penal Code.
This tragic accident in Nayagarh is one of the four major incidents reported between Friday and Saturday, resulting in the loss of at least nine lives.
The Nayagarh district, located in the Indian state of Odisha, is known for its rich cultural heritage and historical significance. It is home to several ancient temples and is a popular tourist destination. However, the recent accident has cast a shadow over the district, highlighting the importance of road safety and the need for strict adherence to traffic rules and regulations.
