A fatal accident near Kumuli on State Highway 40 has reignited concerns over illegal truck parking in Odisha.
The collision claimed the life of Balaram Santa and left Arjun Santa critically injured.
On Wednesday night, six villagers from Phuljhuri in Sukigaon Panchayat were returning home on three motorcycles after visiting relatives in Bharasundi. Near Kumuli Chhak, their bike (OR 24 B 5343) crashed into a truck illegally parked on the roadside. Balaram Santa, seated in front, suffered a fatal head injury. Arjun Santa, riding pillion, was rescued by a journalist and admitted to a medical facility.
The truck fled the scene after the crash. Raighar police, led by officer Raghunath Majhi, launched an investigation, seized the bike, and sent the body for autopsy. The incident has sparked widespread outrage.
Locals report frequent accidents along the Saraguli-Jodinga stretch due to illegal truck parking. Similar tragedies occurred near Jagannath Temple and Ganjapara petrol pumps. On October 25, two youths died in a crash on the Bharatmala road.
Residents demand stricter police patrolling to prevent further loss of life. The rising number of fatalities linked to illegal truck parking has created unrest across the region. Authorities face mounting pressure to enforce parking regulations and ensure road safety.
