At least 13 people were injured, including one critically, after a sports utility vehicle (SUV) carrying wedding guests overturned following a collision with a container truck near Nahandashol in Odisha’s Mayurbhanj district late on Friday night.
According to reports, the passengers were returning from a wedding function in Chitrada when the accident took place near a diversion point on the road. The SUV reportedly lost control before crashing into the container truck, causing the vehicle to overturn.
All Injured Shifted to Baripada Hospital
Sources said there were 13 passengers, including two women, travelling in the SUV. All the injured individuals are residents of Tarakoti, Khadiashole and nearby villages in the district.
Following the accident, local residents and members of the wedding procession travelling behind the SUV immediately rushed to the spot and helped rescue the trapped passengers. Emergency ambulance services later shifted all the injured persons to Pandit Raghunath Murmu Medical College and Hospital in Baripada at around 2 am.
Hospital sources stated that one injured person sustained severe head injuries and remains in critical condition, while the others are undergoing treatment.
Eyewitnesses Allege Reckless Driving
Eyewitnesses and some passengers alleged that the SUV driver was driving recklessly before the crash. They claimed the driver failed to control the vehicle near the diversion point, resulting in the collision with the container truck.
The impact of the crash was reportedly severe, leaving several passengers trapped inside the overturned vehicle until rescue efforts began.
Driver Absconding, Police Launch Investigation
After the accident, the SUV driver allegedly fled the scene, abandoning the vehicle. On receiving information about the incident, Betnoti police reached the spot and seized both the SUV and the container truck.
Police officials have started an investigation into the circumstances leading to the accident. Efforts are currently underway to trace the absconding driver and determine the exact cause of the mishap.
Road Safety Concerns Highlighted Again
The incident has once again raised concerns about reckless driving and road safety during late-night travel in Odisha. Local residents have urged authorities to strengthen traffic monitoring and improve safety measures near diversion points and accident-prone stretches of highways.
