The Biju Expressway near Jhagrai 4 Chowk under Komna police station limits in Nuapada district turned blood-stained on Thursday after two separate road accidents claimed two lives and left two others seriously injured.
In the first incident, a truck ran over 50-year-old Gupat Bemal of Dhumabhata village under Komna police station near Jhagrai 4 Chowk on the Biju Expressway. Bemal died on the spot, while Bhubanejala of Kotribahal village sustained serious injuries. Komna police reached the scene and launched an investigation.
Demanding compensation for the deceased’s family, local residents blocked the road in protest. The blockade caused a long queue of vehicles to pile up on the Biju Expressway.
During the blockade, a second accident occurred. Manas Nial and his companion Sushant Nial, who were returning on a motorcycle from Subabeda, crashed into a stationary truck from behind. The impact was severe. Manas Nial of Vela village succumbed to his injuries, while Sushant Nial was critically hurt.
The occurrence of two fatal accidents at the same spot on the same day has left local residents stunned. Residents have demanded immediate safety measures at Jhagrai 4 Chowk, including better lighting, warning signs, and effective traffic control, citing the frequency of accidents at the location. The successive accidents have also raised serious questions about road safety and traffic management during road blockades.
Komna police are continuing their investigation into both incidents.
