SUV plunges from Jagannath Ballav multi-level car parking in Puri, driver critical

The driver of an SUV sustained critical injuries after the vehicle plunged from the first floor of the Jagannath Ballav multi-level car parking in Puri on Sunday.

According to eyewitnesses, the accident took place when the driver, a resident of Dhamara area, lost control of the vehicle while attempting to park. The SUV toppled over the edge and crashed to the ground, leaving the driver severely injured. He was immediately rushed to the Puri District Headquarters Hospital, where doctors described his condition as critical, sources added.

Sources said the vehicle appeared to have lost balance during the parking manoeuvre, causing it to slip and fall. Police and parking authorities reached the spot soon after the mishap and began an investigation.

The multi-level car parking has space on the ground, first, and second floors. The ill-fated vehicle was in reverse gear during the parking manoeuvre. As there was no guard wall on the edge of the roof, the SUV plunged from the first floor, sources said. 

“I was on the phone when I heard a loud sound. I rushed to the spot and found the vehicle falling on the ground. Luckily, other than the driver, there was no one inside the vehicle. We rescued the driver from inside the mangled vehicle and called the ambulance. The driver informed that he is from Dhamra,” said an eyewitness.  

Meanwhile, the incident has raised serious safety concerns over the structural and operational management of the multi-level parking facility, which was built to ease congestion for devotees and tourists visiting the pilgrim town.