9 dead, 7 injured as truck overturns in Gajapati

Gajapati: Nine persons were killed and seven others sustained grievous injuries after a brick-laden truck overturned near Luhajhar ghati in Gumma block of Paralakhemundi in Gajapati district on Tuesday.

According to reports, the mishap occurred after the driver of the truck lost control and the vehicle fell into a 50-ft gorge below. The truck was carrying  nearly 16 labourers on board when the vehicle skidded off the road.

Sources said, five persons died on the spot while four others died during treatment at the hospital.

Following the tragic incident, police along with locals and officials of health department immediately rushed to the spot and had launched a rescue operation.

Later, all the injured were shifted to the nearest hospital. While four of them died during treatment, the condition rest is said to be critical.

Meanwhile, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik has announced an ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh each to the kin of deceased and free treatment for the injured undergoing treatment.