Odishatv Bureau

Bhadrak: Driver of the truck which mowed down five school children in Rahanja of Bhadrak district on July 19 has been arrested from Andhra Pradesh, informed senior police officials on Sunday.

Bhadrak SDPO Jalandhar Jali today informed that accused Deblam Venkatadri, who was driving the wheat loaded truck, was arrested by the Bhadrak Police from Kabiti police limits of Srikakulam District in Andhra Pradesh.

Venkatadri (60), a resident of Bangarupalam in Andhra’s Chittoor district, claimed that his truck ran over the students after the brakes of the heavy vehicle failed.

“The truck was carrying wheat from Bihar to Bengaluru. According to the driver, failure of brakes led to the tragic accident. We are investigating the matter to ascertain the truth while appropriate take action will be taken as per law in connection with the incident,” said Jali.

At least five students were killed and six others were injured in the tragic incident that occurred at around 4 PM on last Thursday. The 10-wheeler truck ran over the children when they were crossing the busy national highway in Rahanja area.

The mishap then had sparked tension in the area with locals setting fire to the truck. Both the driver and helper of the truck had fled the spot following the accident.

 

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