A 7-year-old girl was killed and 28 others sustained injuries after the tractor they were travelling in overturned in Sorisamali Ghati in Chandrapur Block under Budubali Panchayat in Rayagada district.
The villagers were on their way to collect rice from Budubali Panchayat when the accident occurred.
The deceased, identified as Megna Gegerenga, lost her life on the spot. Following the incident, Chandrapur police, including IIC Prashant Sethi and other personnel, promptly arrived at the scene. The injured were initially transported to Chandrapur Community Health Centre, although eight critically injured individuals were later shifted to Rayagada District Head Hospital, according to Medical Officer-in-Charge KD Mallick.
In a shocking turn of events, the 108 ambulance meant to transport the victims suffered a tyre puncture, forcing the injured to be ferried in a tempo vehicle instead. The minor’s body has been sent to Muniguda Group Health Centre for autopsy.
Authorities, led by Chandrapur Tehsildar Bhaskar Chandra Sahu, extended a compensation of ₹10,000 to Philmina Gegerenga, the grieving mother of the deceased child. This gesture was made in the presence of local panchayat members, healthcare officers, and police personnel.
The tractor driver, Anand Bir, has been detained for investigation as the authorities work to piece together the sequence of events leading to this heartbreaking accident.
