Three Children Killed, Three Injured as Pickup Van Overturns in Odisha’s Balangir

Bhubaneswar: Three children were killed and three others sustained critical injuries after a pickup van overturned near Marlad village under Titlagarh tehsil in Odisha’s Balangir district on Tuesday.

The deceased were identified as Rajveer Tandi, Alok Tandi and Raja Sika. The driver of the vehicle, Vikram Tandi, allegedly fled the spot after the accident and is currently absconding.

Sources said a marriage feast was underway at Lesunbahali village, where the children had gone with the driver in a pickup van to bring drinking water from the nearby Marlad area. While returning, the vehicle reportedly lost balance near Marlad bridge after a motorcycle came from the opposite direction, causing the van to overturn.

The impact of the accident was severe, killing three children on the spot. The three injured children were rescued by locals and first taken to the Sub-Divisional Hospital in Titlagarh. After receiving preliminary treatment, they were shifted to Bhima Bhoi Medical College and Hospital in Balangir as their condition was stated to be serious.

On receiving information, police reached the accident site and began an investigation into the circumstances leading to the mishap.

Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi expressed grief over the deaths and conveyed condolences to the bereaved families. He also announced an ex-gratia of Rs 4 lakh each from the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund for the next of kin of the deceased children.