A tragic incident unfolded in Balangir district when a woman died after jumping from a hospital building following the death of her injured husband.
The couple, identified as Sevak Bag and his wife Padmini Bag from Dumerbahal village under Puintala police limits, lost their lives within hours of each other.
On Thursday night, Sevak Bag sustained critical injuries when an unknown vehicle hit the auto he was travelling in near Randa Square. Locals rushed him to Bhima Bhoi Medical College and Hospital in Balangir, where doctors admitted him for treatment. Despite efforts, Sevak died on Friday morning.
Overcome with grief, Padmini lost her mental balance and jumped from the surgery ward building of the hospital. She was immediately admitted for treatment but succumbed to her injuries.
Police conducted post-mortem examinations of both bodies and registered a case to investigate the accident. Authorities confirmed that the incident has shocked the district, sparking concern over rising road accidents on National Highway 26 between Balangir and Sonepur.
Residents pointed out that the widened and concretised highway has led to frequent speeding, causing repeated mishaps involving autos, pickup vans, and trucks. Locals demanded stricter enforcement of traffic rules and better monitoring to prevent further tragedies.
