Ganjam youth dies as 108 ambulance ‘breaks down’ en route to hospital

A heartbreaking incident from Odisha’s Ganjam district has raised serious questions about the state of emergency medical services. A young man lost his life after the ambulance transporting him allegedly broke down en route to hospital, leaving him stranded for nearly three hours. The tragedy unfolded in Khallikote area and has sparked public anger over alleged negligence in ambulance maintenance.

Young Cricketer’s Injury Turns Fatal

The victim, 23-year-old Shankar Maharana from Biripur, was playing cricket yesterday when he was struck in the abdomen by a ball. He collapsed shortly after, complaining of severe pain and difficulty breathing. Shankar was initially treated at Khallikote Medical Centre before being referred to a hospital hospital in Berhampur.

Ambulance Breaks Down, Delay Proves Fatal

Disaster struck during the transfer when the 108 ambulance carrying Shankar broke down at Khallikote Ghat. With no immediate backup, the vehicle remained stranded for three hours until another ambulance arrived from 50 km away. By the time Shankar reached Berhampur, doctors declared him dead on arrival.

Anguished over the matter his brother said, “The government ambulance hadn’t been properly maintained for 7–8 months. Even the drivers admitted the contractor neglected repairs. We had to call another ambulance from 50 km away, which took three hours to arrive. The doctors told us his life could have been saved if the ambulance came just one hour earlier.”

 “Is the ambulance service meant to save lives or cost them? If they can’t maintain these vehicles, they should shut the scheme,” he added.

Public Demands Accountability

The incident has triggered widespread outrage among locals, who accuse authorities of gross negligence. Neither medical authorities nor 108 ambulance officials have issued statements addressing the breakdown or delay.