Bolangir: A man was killed when a 108 ambulance struck his motorcycle on NH 26 near Fasad within the Loisingha police jurisdiction in Bolangir district on Saturday.

The victim has been identified as Sumanta Pradhan (25) from Mirdhapur, who worked as a sweeper on the OSRTC bus in Bolangir.

According to reports, the accident happened as Sumanta was on his way home after work. Near Fasad, an oncoming ambulance collided with his motorcycle, resulting in his immediate death.

Witnessing the accident, locals gathered at the scene and assaulted the ambulance driver. Loisingha police were informed and intervened to rescue the driver, taking him into custody at the station.

Angered locals, together with the deceased’s family, initiated a road blockade demanding compensation.

The deceased’s family and relatives obstructed the highway by placing his body on the road. The agitated crowd persisted in their protest, calling for compensation for Sumanta’s family and a government job for his sister.

They declared the protest would not end until the district administration addressed the situation. The demonstration has caused a traffic jam, with vehicles backed up on both sides of the highway.