One Killed, Woman Critical in Dhenkanal Road Accident

Dhenkanal: A tragic road accident in Dhenkanal district on Wednesday afternoon claimed one life and left another critically injured, police said.

The incident occurred around 4 PM near Shankarapur Mahisha Pat when a truck carrying Public Distribution System (PDS) rice collided head-on with a motorcycle. The impact was so severe that the two-wheeler was dragged under the truck.

According to preliminary reports, Shyam Sundar Nayak, a lassi shopkeeper from Anand Bazar, was returning from his in-laws’ house along with his wife Bharati Nayak when the mishap took place.

Eyewitnesses said the motorcycle got trapped beneath the truck following the collision. Shyam Sundar Nayak was crushed under the vehicle and died on the spot.

On receiving information, fire service personnel, along with police and local residents, rushed to the scene and carried out a rescue operation to pull out the victims.

Bharati Nayak, who sustained critical injuries, was immediately shifted to the Dhenkanal District Headquarters Hospital. Her condition is reported to be serious.

The accident caused a temporary road blockade during rescue and clearance operations. Police have launched an investigation to determine the exact cause of the mishap.