A fatal road accident on Tuesday night near Ganjapara Chhak on State Highway 40 in Raighar block, Nabarangpur district, left one youth dead and another critically injured after a 108 Janani Express ambulance collided with their bike.
According to police reports, the incident occurred around 8:45 PM when the ambulance, en route from Hatabharandi to Raighar, struck the bike in which Bijay Ganda (20) and his friend Mangal Lohara (20) were travelling.
The impact dragged the bike nearly 50 meters, killing Bijay on the spot. Mangal was rushed to a medical facility in another ambulance passing nearby and remains in critical condition.
The youths, both residents of Dumardihi village under Ganjapara Panchayat, were returning from Dhadarapara after purchasing chicken for dinner when the accident occurred. Bijay was reportedly pursuing higher education in Bhubaneswar.
Following the crash, local residents gathered at the scene, expressing anger over the tragic mishap and demanding accountability.
Raighar police have detained the ambulance driver and another youth riding in the vehicle for questioning. An investigation is currently underway.
