A tragic road accident occurred on Monday morning near Phuljharan in Sambalpur district when a speeding truck rammed into a passenger auto on National Highway 55.
The collision killed a woman and left four passengers critically injured.
Police identified the deceased as Bedabada Kharasel, 54, from Veerasinghgarh. Reports said the auto carried 12 passengers from Veerasinghgarh to Maneswar weekly market when the truck hit it from behind. The impact overturned the auto, leaving passengers trapped and injured.
Local residents rushed to rescue the victims and shifted the injured to Sambalpur District Headquarters Hospital. Doctors confirmed that four passengers remain in critical condition.
Jujumura police reached the accident site, seized both vehicles, and launched an investigation. Officials said the truck driver abandoned the vehicle and fled after the crash. Police have begun efforts to trace him.
