Three members of a family lost their lives when a speeding truck rammed into their motorcycle at Jagmohan Chhak on National Highway-49 under Telkoi block in Keonjhar district on Wednesday.
The victims — Tanka Patra, his wife, and their 11-year-old daughter — hailed from Bahadapashi village in Deogarh district. According to eyewitnesses, the truck struck the motorcycle from behind, causing the family to fall before being run over. All three died on the spot.
The truck was intercepted near the Janasanpur toll gate and seized by Telkoi police, who have launched an investigation. The incident triggered widespread protests in the area, with locals demanding urgent measures to curb frequent accidents on NH-49. Traffic was disrupted for hours as hundreds of vehicles were stranded on both sides of the highway.
This tragic event has reignited concerns over rash driving and inadequate safety infrastructure on Odisha’s highways, prompting calls for stricter enforcement and preventive action.
