Driver narrowly escapes death as rice-laden truck overturns

A major road accident was reported near the Malijhar Durga Temple on the Patnagarh–Belpada road after a rice-laden truck lost control and overturned. The mishap occurred when a 16-wheeler truck, carrying rice sacks towards Visakhapatnam, suddenly lost balance and toppled on the roadside.

Eyewitnesses said the truck was negotiating a stretch near the temple when the driver lost control, causing the heavy vehicle to overturn. The driver sustained serious injuries in the accident and was immediately rescued by local residents. He was rushed to the Belpada Community Health Centre, where he is currently undergoing treatment.

Fortunately, no other vehicles or pedestrians were affected in the incident. The timely intervention of locals prevented further damage and ensured that the injured driver received medical attention quickly.

After the accident, rice sacks were seen scattered across the spot, drawing the attention of passersby. Police later arrived at the site to assess the situation and manage the traffic disruption caused by the overturned truck.

Though no major casualties were reported, the incident has once again raised concerns about heavy vehicle safety on the Patnagarh–Belpada route, where accidents are not uncommon.

“Actually, we were close to the field. All of a sudden, we heard a loud noise. We rushed here to find the truck had turned turtle. We are yet to know where the truck came from and where it was headed. The driver was rescued and rushed to the hospital,” informed a local.