A somber night unfolded near Madhapur village in Nayagarh district, Odisha, as a pickup van carrying 20 performers of the traditional Danda Nacha overturned, leaving over 17 individuals injured, two of whom are critically hurt.
The accident occurred late Sunday night on State Highway-48, adding a grim note to what should have been a festive occasion.
Eyewitnesses reported that the vehicle lost balance on a curve near Potapokhari. The van was reportedly overloaded and traveling at high speed, causing the driver to lose control and veer off the road. Several passengers were thrown out, while others remained trapped inside the wreckage.
Local villagers acted swiftly, rescuing the injured and calling for emergency medical help. Most victims received immediate treatment at Bhapur Community Health Centre, while the critically injured were referred to Bhubaneswar for advanced care.
Fategarh police have launched an investigation into the incident, focusing on vehicle overloading and speed as potential contributing factors.
The accident casts a shadow on the time-honored tradition of Danda Nacha, a ritualistic dance performed during the Chaitra festival.
Further updates on the injured individuals’ condition are awaited.
