Phulbani: In a tragic incident, at least ten persons including women and children were killed and many others sustained critical injuries after a mini-truck they were travelling in skidded off Bangadadua Ghat into a deep gorge near Brahmanigaon in Phulbani area.
As per latest reports, CM Naveen Patnaik announced ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh to next of kin of the deceased and free treatment for those undergoing treatment at the hospital.
According to sources, the mishap took place this morning near Bangadadua Ghat when the mini-truck carrying over 40 passengers was en route to Brahmanigaon from Kalingi. The driver of the truck suddenly lost control over the vehicle following which the vehicle plunged into the gorge.
While six persons died on the spot, four others succumbed to injuries while undergoing treatment at MKCG hospital in Berhampur. All the injured persons were rushed to Brahmanigaon hospital and MKCG hospital soon after the incident.
Reports claimed that over 35 persons have sustained injuries and the death toll is likely to increase as the condition of some of them is stated to be critical.
On the other hand, State Transport Minister Nrusingha Sahu has blamed the people for today's mishap. Sahu said that lack of awareness has led to the accident and action will be taken after concerned RTO submits a report related to the incident.
Kandhamal District Collector and Sub-collector rushed to Brahmanigaon hospital after relatives of the deceased persons demanded a compensation.