Five killed, two critical as Hyva truck hits auto-rickshaw in Odisha

In a tragic incident, at least five people were killed and two others critically injured after a Hyva truck hit an auto-rickshaw they were traveling in. The incident was reported from Telendihi under Sadar Police limits of Sundargarh in the afternoon on Sunday.

As per reports, the victims and the injured hailing from Bagichapada and Masjidpada were on their way back home after picnicking at Saraswatinala. The autorickshaw was parked near Telenidihi when the Hyva coming from Sundargarh to Kinjirikela hit it from the front. The driver of the Hyva managed to flee the spot soon after the mishap.

Following the accident, tension prevailed at the site with irate people clamouring for action against the driver of the Hyva. They also demanded compensation for the bereaved families. On being informed, police rushed to the spot and tried to placate the agitating residents.  

The injured, a woman and a child were rushed to the district headquarters hospital. The condition of the injured undergoing treatment was stated to be critical. 

Police have launched an investigation into the matter.

Though the identities of the deceased were not ascertained till the filing of the report, police came to know that the deceased and the injured belong to Bagichapada and Masjidpada of the district, sources said.

Meanwhile, the district administration announced an ex-gratia amount of Rs 3.30 lakh for each of the bereaved families. 

Report by Debabrata Jena