A woman was killed on the spot after a speeding sand-laden truck rammed into her near FETCOL Petrol Pump on National Highway-143 under Raghunathpali police station limits in Rourkel on Sunday late evening.
Sources said the truck lost control and hit the woman, causing her instant death. The identity of the deceased is yet to be officially confirmed.
The incident sparked outrage among local residents, who gathered in large numbers at the spot. Angry protesters blocked NH-143, demanding immediate compensation for the victim’s family and strict action against the driver. They alleged that frequent movement of heavy sand-laden vehicles has made the stretch a death trap, with accidents occurring regularly.
The blockade disrupted traffic on the busy highway for several hours, causing long jams on both sides. Commuters, including passenger buses and heavy vehicles, were stranded.
Raghunathpali police reached the spot, seized the truck, and began negotiations with protesters to clear the road. An investigation has been launched. Further details are awaited.
The accident has once again highlighted growing concerns over road safety and the need for better regulation of heavy vehicles on NH-143.
