A tragic incident unfolded in the Kansbahal Chhak area on the Bolangir-Athgaon road when a sudden gust of nor’wester-induced wind caused a large neem tree to fall, crushing an autorickshaw beneath.
Two lives were lost in this unforeseen mishap—a passenger, Rabi Nanda, from Tundamunda village, and the autorickshaw driver, identified as Tumuru Mohammad, of Tarabha area.
The incident occurred during the heavy winds triggered by the nor’wester storm sweeping through Odisha. As the gust intensified, the roadside tree gave way and fell directly onto the moving autorickshaw. Eyewitnesses reported the vehicle being completely flattened under the impact, leaving no chance for survival for those inside.
Emergency responders, including Puintala police and the fire brigade, arrived promptly to recover the bodies. Both Rabi Nanda and Mohammad succumbed to fatal injuries at the scene. The deceased’s remains were sent for postmortem by Anita Padhan, IIC of Puintala police station, and an accidental death case has been registered.
