Two brothers lost their lives after a head-on collision between a motorcycle and a pick-up van near Larki village under Turekela police limits in Bolangir district.
The deceased have been identified as Rajkumar Ray and Dinesh Ray, residents of Bhalukhai village under Belpada police station. Rajkumar was riding the motorcycle with his brother Dinesh seated behind. The two were reportedly traveling from Turekela to Kantabanji for work when the pick-up van, coming from the opposite direction, collided with their bike.
Rajkumar died on the spot due to the impact, while Dinesh sustained critical injuries. Locals rushed him to Turekela hospital, where doctors declared him dead upon arrival.
Police from Turekela reached the scene, seized the bodies, and sent them to Kantabanji hospital for post-mortem. The pick-up van involved in the accident fled the scene immediately. Authorities have registered a case and launched an investigation, including reviewing CCTV footage to trace the vehicle.
The incident has sparked grief in the local community and raised concerns over reckless driving and road safety in the region.
