Woman Journalist Killed in Bus-Scooter Collision on Bhubaneswar–Puri Highway

Bhubaneswar: A woman journalist was among two persons killed in a tragic road accident on the Bhubaneswar–Puri National Highway at Jamalpura Square near Mangalpur under Pipili police station limits on Tuesday.

The deceased journalist has been identified as Sheela Pattanayak, while the identity of the second victim is yet to be ascertained.

According to preliminary reports, the two women were travelling from Bhubaneswar towards Puri on a scooter when the mishap occurred. The scooter reportedly skidded after encountering a pile of sand on the road, following which a private bus coming from behind rammed into it.

The impact was severe, with the scooter being dragged for nearly 20 metres. Sheela Pattanayak died on the spot, while the other woman sustained critical injuries and was rushed to a nearby hospital, where doctors declared her dead.

Pipili police have seized both the bus and the scooter involved in the accident and initiated an investigation to ascertain the exact cause of the incident. Further details are awaited.