3 killed, 1 critical as bikes ram into stationary truck on NH-326 in Odisha’s Malkangiri

A tragic road mishap on National Highway 326 near Katameta in Malkangiri district claimed three lives and left one person critically injured late Saturday night. The accident led to tense scenes as irate locals staged a road blockade demanding compensation for the family members of the deceased.

According to preliminary reports, a truck had broken down on the highway due to a mechanical failure and was parked on the roadside without adequate warning signs. Around that time, two speeding motorcycles approached from behind and rammed into the stationary vehicle, resulting in a fatal collision.

Four people were riding on two motorcycles. The impact of the crash was so severe that three of them died on the spot, while the fourth sustained critical injuries and was rushed to the Malkangiri District Headquarters Hospital for treatment.

Following the accident, angry residents gathered at the site, expressing outrage over what they described as administrative negligence and poor road safety management on the busy highway. The protesters placed the bodies on the road and blocked traffic for several hours, demanding immediate compensation for the victims’ families and action against the truck owner.

Vehicular movement on the crucial route connecting southern Odisha to Andhra Pradesh was severely disrupted, leading to long traffic snarls on both sides. 

Senior police and administrative officials later reached the spot and held discussions with the agitating locals. After assurances from the administration, the blockade was lifted and normal traffic movement resumed.

Also Read: Kalinga ghat landslide: 20 days on, repair work of National Highway yet to be completed

Meanwhile, police have launched an investigation into the series of crashes and are examining whether negligence or lack of proper safety measures contributed to the tragedy. The injured person continues to remain in a critical condition under medical supervision.