Two women dead, multiple injured as overladen passenger vehicle overturns in Odisha’s Ganjam

Two women died and 14 others sustained varying injuries after a passenger-laden vehicle overturned near the Kotinada police station in Asika of Ganjam district on  Tuesday night. The deceased have been identified as 25-year-old Gayatri Gouda and Sarojini Sahu, aged 50, both residents of Bhetanai village.

Sources reported that the victims were part of a group of over 20 villagers travelling in a pickup van to Sanakholi village to witness a religious ceremony. The group, including children, was returning from the event when tragedy struck.

Eyewitnesses mentioned that the vehicle was severely overloaded and reportedly lost balance in the stretch between Badakhuli and Bhetanai, causing it to overturn. The impact of the crash led to the immediate death of the two women, while others sustained varying degrees of injuries.

Local residents rushed to the scene and helped rescue the injured. The police arrived shortly afterwards and began rescue operations and an initial investigation.

Seven Critically Injured Shifted to Berhampur

Among the 14 injured, several were first admitted to Asika Medical Centre. However, seven critically injured patients were later referred to MKCG Medical College and Hospital in Berhampur for advanced treatment. Meanwhile, the bodies of the deceased have been sent for post-mortem.

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Police Investigation Underway

Asika Police has seized the vehicle and is investigating the cause of the accident. Preliminary reports suggest that overloading and loss of control were key factors. Authorities have assured a thorough probe and appropriate action. As of the last reports, no arrests were made and records from the driver was awaited.