Two Killed, Five Critically Injured After Dumper Rams Into Rescue Team in Mayurbhanj

Bhubaneswar: Two people lost their lives and five others suffered critical injuries after a speeding dumper truck crashed into a group of people carrying out a rescue operation near Palbani in Baripada, Mayurbhanj district, late on Friday night.

According to preliminary information, the incident unfolded after a truck carrying timber overturned on the road near Palbani. Following the accident, local residents, police personnel, forest officials and media teams rushed to the spot to assist in rescue efforts and manage the situation.

While the operation was in progress, a dumper truck reportedly lost control, mounted the overturned vehicle and ploughed into the crowd gathered at the accident site. The collision left two persons dead on the spot and five others with serious injuries.

Among those injured are three television news cameramen. One of them, identified as Lalit Barik, sustained critical injuries and was initially admitted to PRM Medical College and Hospital in Baripada before being shifted to Bhubaneswar for specialised treatment. The identities of the two deceased had not been officially confirmed at the time of filing this report.

Police have seized the dumper involved in the accident and initiated an investigation to ascertain the circumstances leading to the tragic incident.

The accident has triggered widespread concern, particularly among the media fraternity, as authorities continue their probe and await the identification of the victims.