Tragedy strikes twice! 3 family members killed as ambulance carrying dead body rams into stationary truck

In a tragic incident, at least three persons of a family lost their lives and one more sustained grievous injuries while transporting the body of a deceased relative. The fatal accident took place late Friday night near Maitapur Chhak under Simulia Police limits in Balasore district.

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The ill-fated family was travelling from Cuttack to Balasore in an ambulance carrying the mortal remains when their vehicle hit a stationary truck on the national highway.

The impact was so severe that the ambulance was crushed against the back of a Hyva truck. Four persons were rescued from the wreckage in critical condition by local residents and were immediately taken to a health facility in Bhadrak. Unfortunately, three of the wounded succumbed to their injuries, while one was still in a critical condition, sources said.

Preliminary investigations suggest that the accident might have resulted from poor visibility on the road and an unmarked stationary truck, amid dense fog. Simulia Police are continuing their investigation to determine the exact cause of the fatal accident.

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“My father-in-law was sick and he was taken to Cuttack for treatment. However, the elderly man succumbed. His body was being carried to my in-laws’ house by my brother-in-law, mother-in-law, and a few other relatives,” the deceased’s relative Kishore Patra stated.

“Unfortunately, the road mishap occurred and three have died,” Kishore Patra added.