A major catastrophe was narrowly averted in the state capital late Monday night following a horrific road accident near Sainik School Square under the jurisdiction of Maitri Vihar Police Station.
An uncontrolled, high-speed Hyva truck rammed violently into a high-voltage electric pole, leaving a trail of destruction in its wake.
The impact of the collision was so intense that the heavy electric pole was completely uprooted from its base. A nearby boundary wall was severely damaged in the crash, and a four-wheeler parked along the roadside was also reported to be heavily damaged by the impact.
Tangled Wires Prevent Commercial Catastrophe
Despite the violent destruction, a much larger disaster was miraculously prevented. Following the collision, the Hyva became tightly entangled in the fallen electric pole and live high-voltage wires, which effectively brought the heavy truck to a sudden stop.
Had the wires and pole not snared the vehicle, the speeding truck was on a direct path to plough into several nearby commercial establishments, including automobile showrooms, vehicles, a guest house, and a bank. Local officials noted that the structural barrier created by the fallen pole averted significant property damage and potential loss of life.
Driver Claims Jammed Steering; Police Investigate Cause
According to preliminary information, the driver claimed that the steering wheel suddenly jammed while he was negotiating a turn near Sainik School Square, causing him to lose control. Investigators also suspect that reduced visibility late at night may have contributed to the mishap.
Upon being alerted by local residents, the Maitri Vihar Police rushed to the spot with two PCR vans and initiated a rescue operation. The driver, who was trapped inside the crushed cabin, was safely extracted after police personnel forced the vehicle door open. He was subsequently taken to a nearby hospital for emergency medical treatment.
Prompt Response Prevents Fire Hazard
Following the collapse of the electric pole and the snapping of high-voltage lines, personnel from TP Central Odisha Distribution Limited (TPCODL) promptly arrived at the scene. As a precautionary measure, they disconnected the power supply to the locality to prevent potential short circuits, fires, or electrocution hazards.
Maitri Vihar Police have seized the accident-damaged Hyva, detained the driver for questioning, and initiated a detailed investigation to establish the exact sequence of events.
