Two Youths Killed, One Critical as Truck Hits Motorcycle in Keonjhar

Keonjhar: Two youths lost their lives and another sustained serious injuries after an iron ore-laden truck rammed into their motorcycle on National Highway 20 near Dhakotha under Ghasipura police limits in Odisha’s Keonjhar district on Wednesday.

The deceased have been identified as Narayan Tudu (18) and Bhanja Kisku (24), both residents of Marshapal village. The injured youth, Ajay Tudu (18), is currently undergoing treatment at SCB Medical College and Hospital in Cuttack.

According to sources, the three were returning to their village on a single motorcycle when the speeding truck hit them near the Dhakotha Telephone Exchange. The impact flung the riders off the bike, killing Narayan Tudu on the spot. Bhanja Kisku, who suffered critical injuries, was rushed to Anandapur Sub-Divisional Hospital, where he later succumbed during treatment.

Ajay Tudu was also admitted to the same hospital with severe injuries before being referred to SCB Medical College and Hospital for advanced care.

The truck driver fled the scene immediately after the accident. The incident triggered brief tension in the area as local residents gathered and expressed concern over frequent accidents involving heavy vehicles on the busy highway. Police from Ghasipura reached the spot, brought the situation under control, and cleared the road.

A case has been registered and an investigation is underway. Police said efforts are on to trace the absconding truck and identify the driver responsible for the crash.