Multiple vehicles crash causes gridlock in Bhubaneswar, over 7 injured; irked people stage roadblock

Tension erupted at Xavier Square in Bhubaneswar after hundreds of local residents staged a roadblock demanding compensation for the persons injured in a series of accidents involving three vehicles on Saturday evening. 

As per reports, more than seven persons were injured in the accident. 

The accident led to significant traffic congestion in Bhubaneswar. Tension erupted among the local residents in the area due to the mishap that involved a car, a pickup van, and an auto-rickshaw.

Reports indicate that the collisions were due to reckless driving by an individual under the influence of alcohol. Local residents lost their cool and allegedly assaulted the drunk driver. They have been demanding compensation for the injured persons by blocking the road. As a result, thousands of vehicles have been stranded on both sides of the road.

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As many as three platoons of police forces have been deployed in the area to pacify the irate people. Police also resorted to mild lathi charge to control the situation. The local police are also reportedly investigating the incident thoroughly to determine the exact sequence of events. 

The accident has caused severe traffic snarls, leaving commuters stranded for hours. Police are trying to manage the situation and facilitate the flow of vehicles.

Local residents and passers-by expressed concerns over road safety and the need for stricter enforcement of regulations against drivers driving under the influence of alcohol. Authorities emphasised their commitment to improving road safety and urged drivers to adhere to traffic laws.