A dark cloud of grief has descended over the Khariar block after a devastating hit-and-run accident claimed the lives of a married couple early Thursday morning.
The incident took place near the Tikhali Chhak on National Highway 353 in Nuapada district, where an unidentified truck rammed into the couple and fled the scene.
The victims have been identified as Kapurchhan Patel and his wife Mandakini Patel, residents of Berunpadar village. According to local sources, the couple had visited a relative’s house in Kotipadar and were returning home to Berunpadar in the early hours. At around 5:30 AM, while approaching the Tikhali Chhak, a speeding, unidentified truck struck them with fatal impact. The driver managed to escape into the morning darkness before bystanders could intercept the vehicle.
The tragic news spread rapidly, drawing scores of distraught villagers and local residents to the accident site. Overcome with grief and anger over reckless driving on the highway, the protestors blocked National Highway 353. They demanded immediate and adequate financial assistance for the grieving family of the victims, bringing vehicular movement on the key route to a complete standstill.
Upon receiving information about the blockade, local police rushed to the scene. Authorities engaged with the protesters to restore order, clear the highway, and resume traffic. Meanwhile, police have launched an investigation, reviewing nearby surveillance footage and gathering evidence to identify the fugitive truck and apprehend the absconding driver.
