Vehicular movement between Odisha and Andhra Pradesh was paralysed for more than six hours after a coal-laden truck overturned near Partapur village in Rayagada district late Sunday night.
The truck, carrying coal from Visakhapatnam to Raipur, lost balance and toppled on the highway. The driver sustained serious injuries and was admitted to the District Headquarters Hospital in Rayagada for treatment.
The overturned vehicle and coal scattered across the road brought traffic to a complete halt. Hundreds of vehicles were stranded on both sides, causing severe inconvenience to commuters and transport operators.
Police and Fire Services personnel reached the spot on Monday morning and began clearing the debris. Officials assured that normal traffic movement would resume once the truck and coal were fully removed from the road.
The incident highlights the recurring challenges of heavy vehicle accidents on busy inter-state routes, raising concerns over road safety and enforcement measures.
