Three Dead, Over Ten Hurt In Fatal Odisha Truck Collision
A tragic Odisha truck accident on the Boudh-Kandhamal border late Wednesday night left three dead and more than 10 injured when a speeding Hyva truck rammed into a pickup van carrying daily wage labourers. The accident took place near Luising Ghat under the Ghantapada police limits.
Collision on Boudh-Kandhamal Border
According to police sources, a pickup van with 15 workers was heading toward Baragaon in Kantamal after completing road repair work in Kandhamal district. Around midnight, a Hyva truck coming from the opposite direction reportedly lost control and crashed into the van.
“The impact was so powerful that two labourers died instantly while another succumbed on the way to hospital,” said a senior police officer from Ghantapada.
The collision occurred on a narrow stretch of the ghat road, making it difficult for other vehicles to navigate during the rescue operation.
Hyva Driver Lost Control, Say Police
Preliminary investigations suggest that the Hyva truck driver lost control of the vehicle due to excessive speed while negotiating a turn on the ghat road. Police believe the steep downhill slope contributed to the driver’s inability to brake in time.
“The truck was overspeeding on a hilly curve, which led to the collision. We are verifying mechanical conditions of both vehicles,” police said.
The pickup van was completely mangled under the impact. Local BSF personnel, fire service teams, and police officers from nearby outposts reached the spot to assist in rescue efforts.
Rescue and Medical Aid
Emergency response teams worked for hours to extract trapped passengers from the wreckage. The injured were shifted to the Kantamal Community Health Centre for treatment.
“We immediately rushed 10 critically injured workers to Kantamal Hospital. Two have been referred to Boudh District Headquarters Hospital for better care,” said a local health official.
The bodies of the deceased were later sent for postmortem. Efforts are ongoing to confirm their identities, though officials said most of the workers hailed from Kuchinda in Sambalpur district.
Eyewitness Accounts
Eyewitnesses reported that the Hyva truck was swerving uncontrollably before it hit the van head-on.
“The van was on the left side of the road, but the truck came speeding down and hit it directly,” said a local resident who helped in rescue operations.
Villagers from nearby areas gathered at the accident site, and local volunteers assisted emergency responders in pulling victims out of the damaged vehicle.
Investigation Underway
Police have seized both vehicles involved in the accident and launched a formal investigation to determine negligence and possible mechanical failure.
The Hyva truck driver, who fled the scene, is being traced. A case under sections related to rash and negligent driving has been registered at Ghantapada police station.
“We have initiated a technical inspection to find out whether brake failure or overloading caused the crash,” said a police spokesperson.
Safety Concerns Raised
This Odisha truck accident has once again raised concerns about road safety on ghat sections of the Boudh-Kandhamal route, notorious for sharp turns and lack of proper lighting.
Local residents have urged the authorities to install warning signboards, reflective markers, and speed barriers to prevent similar tragedies.
“Every year we see fatal accidents on this stretch, but no preventive measures have been taken,” said a commuter from Boudh.
Government Response
District officials have assured strict action against those responsible and promised compensation for the victims’ families under government relief norms.
Chief Minister’s Office sources said a report on the Boudh-Kandhamal accident has been sought from the Superintendent of Police (SP) and District Collector.
“The administration is ensuring medical care for the injured and necessary support for the bereaved families,” an official statement read.
