Ambulance Attendant Killed, Five Injured as 108 Ambulance Rams Truck in Sambalpur

Sambalpur: In a tragic road accident, one person was killed and five others sustained critical injuries after a 108 ambulance collided with a sand-laden truck on NH-55 near Phuljharan under Jujumura police limits in the early hours today.

The deceased has been identified as ambulance attendant Manabhanjan Sahu.

According to reports, the ambulance was transporting a patient and his relatives from Boudh to VIMSAR, Burla, when it crashed into the stationary truck around 5 am. The impact was so severe that the attendant died on the spot, while the other occupants suffered grievous injuries. Police, with help from locals, rushed the victims to a nearby hospital.

Ambulance Condition Raises Concern

A preliminary inquiry revealed that the ambulance had reportedly covered 5–7 lakh km, far exceeding the government’s condemnation limit of 2.5 lakh km for official vehicles. Authorities suspect the vehicle’s deteriorated condition may have contributed to the accident.

The incident has also reignited debate over the harsh working conditions of ambulance staff, who often work 12–14 hours without adequate rest.

Police have launched an investigation to determine the exact cause of the crash. The body of the deceased has been sent for post-mortem.