Three, Including Minor, Killed in Road Mishap in Rayagada

Rayagada: Three persons, including a minor, lost their lives in a tragic road accident near Nataraj Petrol Pump under Tikiri police limits in Odisha’s Rayagada district late at night.

The deceased have been identified as Narendra Jhodia (25), Umakanta Jhodia (14), and Tunu Jhodia (23). The trio was reportedly on their way to Gorakhpur when the motorcycle they were travelling on rammed into an illegally parked tanker.

Soon after the accident, Tikiri police reached the spot, rescued the injured and rushed them to Utkal Hospital at Ushapada in an ambulance. While one of the victims was declared dead at the hospital, the other two were referred to the Rayagada District Headquarters Hospital as their condition deteriorated.

Tunu Jhodia succumbed to his injuries on the way to Rayagada, while Umakanta Jhodia died during treatment at the District Headquarters Hospital.

Following the incident, angry locals staged a road blockade near the accident site, demanding compensation for the bereaved families. Police personnel have been deployed at the spot and are attempting to pacify the protesters. Further investigation into the incident is underway.