Series of accident in Bhubaneswar: Death toll rises to 3

Bhubaneswar: Death toll in Bhubaneswar series of accident rose to three with the death of yet another person during treatment at the hospital on Tuesday.

The three deceased persons have been arrested as Santosh Behera, Laxmidhar Toppo and Jerom. Ekka.

Meanwhile, the accused driver, Anil Kumar Gouda (30) of Gangapur area in Ganjam district, who caused the tragic accident surrendered before the police. He has been apprehended and is cooperating with the investigation, informed police.

According to police, a breath analyser test conducted on the driver showed a zero alcohol reading, indicating that he was not under the influence of alcohol at the time of testing.

During preliminary examination, the accused driver stated that he had consumed cough medicine and was experiencing severe coughing immediately before the accident. According to his statement, he lost control of the vehicle due to a sudden bout of coughing.

However, these assertions are subject to verification and form part of the ongoing investigation. The exact cause and circumstances of the accident will be determined after completion of the investigation and examination of all available evidence.

Currently, four other persons, who were injured following the accident, are still undergoing treatment.

It is to be noted here that a four-wheeler bearing Registration No. OD-35K-3399 (MG Windsor), driven by Gouda, collided with multiple parked motorcycles and a parked auto-rickshaw near the Press Chhaka on the Sainik School road, resulting in injuries to several persons present at the spot.

In this connection, Maitree Vihar P.S. Case No. 297/2026 has been registered under the relevant provisions of law. Further investigation is underway.