A tragic accident claimed the life of an NIT Rourkela student near Rajamunda in Sundargarh district, while another student remains critically injured.
Sixteen students from NIT Rourkela were travelling on scooters to visit the scenic Khandadhar waterfall. Near Samar Dari Chhak on National Highway 143, a speeding truck collided head-on with one of the scooters. The rider, identified as Kartiken, died instantly at the spot. His co-rider, a female student, sustained severe injuries.
Police reported that the injured student was first taken to Lahuniapada Medical Centre for treatment. Doctors later referred her to Rourkela for advanced care. The accident site witnessed chaos as fellow students immediately alerted Lahuniapada police, who reached the location and seized both the truck and the scooter involved.
Authorities confirmed that the investigation is underway to determine the circumstances of the crash. The incident has raised concerns about road safety, especially for young students travelling on highways.
