Eight people were tragically killed and seven others were injured in a road accident in Odisha’s Keonjhar district early on Friday morning. The incident occurred when a minibus, carrying members of two families, collided with a parked truck on NH-20 near Balijodi under Ghatagaon police station. The victims were en route to Ghatagaon from Ganjam district to offer prayers at the Maa Tarini shrine.
The deceased have been identified as Mita Pradhan, her son Akash, daughter-in-law Lili, and members of another family – Bayakhand Gauda, Madan Gauda, Mamina Gauda, and Babina Gauda. The name of the eighth deceased member from the Gauda family is yet to be ascertained. The impact of the collision was so severe that the bodies of the deceased and the injured were scattered on the road.
This devastating incident coincided with the start of the Zero Fatality Week, a campaign initiated by the Odisha transport department to combat road accident fatalities. The police have been instructed to adopt a zero tolerance policy towards drunk driving and promptly arrest offenders during this week.
The investigation into the accident is underway, with authorities working to determine the cause of the collision. The minibus suffered extensive damage to its front section due to the force of the impact. The identities of the injured victims have not been disclosed yet.
Road accidents are an unfortunate reality that claim numerous lives each year. The incident in Keonjhar serves as a distressing reminder of the dangers on the roads and the importance of responsible driving. Our thoughts and condolences go out to the families and friends of the victims during this difficult time.
As we await further details from the investigation, it is crucial for all motorists to abide by traffic rules and regulations, prioritize safety, and refrain from driving under the influence of alcohol. Let us come together as a community to strive for safer roads and prevent such tragic incidents from occurring in the future.
Note: The Zero Fatality Week, a campaign aimed at reducing road accident deaths, is being implemented in Odisha. The Keonjhar accident serves as a reminder of the importance of responsible driving.
