In a heartbreaking incident on Saturday, June 28, 2025, a head-on collision between two motorcycles on National Highway 353 near Palsipani Chhak in Nuapada district, Odisha, claimed the lives of five individuals, including three members of a single family.
The accident, which occurred under the Komana police station limits, also left four others critically injured.
The victims were identified as Lalita Sabar (40), his sister Sunaphula Sabar (25), and his daughter Dileswari Sabar (7) from Palsipani village, along with Kshir Raul (35) from Chuhapali village in Bargarh district. Additionally, a 3-year-old boy from Silbha village succumbed to severe head injuries during treatment. The group was reportedly travelling to Banjari village to witness the Rath Yatra festival when the tragedy struck.
According to reports, Lalit Sabar and his family of five were riding a single motorcycle when it collided with another bike coming from the opposite direction near Palsipani Chhak. The impact was so severe that eight individuals from both vehicles were thrown onto the road, sustaining critical injuries. Residents rushed to their aid, transporting the victims to the Nuapada District Headquarters Hospital via ambulance. Doctors declared Lalit, Sunaphul, Dileshwari, and Kshir dead on arrival. Purab Rana, injured in a related incident while returning from the festival, was also pronounced dead due to severe head trauma.
The four critically injured individuals—Roshan Sabar (15), Lembubati Sabar (32), Naresh Sabar (5), and Hitesh Sabar (35)—are undergoing treatment. Roshan’s condition was reported as critical, prompting his transfer to VIMSAR Hospital in Burla for advanced care. The other three remain under treatment at the Nuapada District Hospital.
Tarbod police responded swiftly, seizing the bodies and initiating an investigation. The bodies will be handed over to the families after post-mortem examinations on Sunday, according to Station Officer Gauri Shankar Das.
This tragic accident has cast a shadow over the festive spirit of Rath Yatra, leaving the local community in shock and mourning. Authorities are urging stricter adherence to road safety measures to prevent such devastating incidents in the future.
