A devastating road accident claimed four lives and left several others injured late Saturday night on NH-26 near the HAL Guest House in Sunabeda, Koraput district. The accident occurred around 11:30 PM when two cars traveling in opposite directions collided after a motorbike suddenly entered the path between them.
According to initial reports, the collision was triggered when the two cars—one heading from Koraput to Damanjodi and the other from Similiguda to Sunabeda—were caught off guard by a motorbike that veered between them. The resulting crash was violent, with one car overturning and the other being left completely mangled.
Fatalities and Injuries
Of the four passengers in one of the cars, one person died on the spot, while two others succumbed to their injuries at Koraput hospital on Sunday morning. The fourth passenger, in critical condition, has been shifted to a private hospital in Visakhapatnam.
One of the deceased has been identified as Asutosh Rana, a young professional working in Pune. Efforts are underway to identify the remaining victims.
The driver of the second car also lost his life in the collision. Other passengers sustained injuries and are currently undergoing treatment. Reports indicate that three of the deceased were residents of Ganjam Colony in Sunabeda, while another hailed from the Mathalput area.
Police Investigation Underway
The Koraput police have launched an investigation into the exact sequence of events leading to the crash. The incident has sparked concern among locals, highlighting the risks posed by reckless driving and unexpected road intrusions.
As the region mourns the loss of young lives, authorities are expected to review traffic and safety protocols on this busy national highway stretch.