One charred to death, 3 critical in auto rickshaw and car collision in Odisha

One person was charred to death and three others sustained serious burn injuries after an auto-rickshaw and car caught fire following a head-on collision near Vetkhal Ghat in the Datapaju area of Phulbani on Saturday.

According to sources, the driver of the auto-rickshaw was trapped inside the vehicle and was burnt alive. Two passengers travelling in the auto-rickshaw sustained severe burn injuries in the mishap.

The car involved in the accident had two occupants, including the driver. While the driver reportedly fled the scene following the accident, the other occupant suffered burn injuries. 

On receiving information, three fire tenders from Phulbani Fire Services, along with police personnel, rushed to the accident site. With the assistance of local residents, all three injured persons were rescued from the spot and rushed to Phulbani Hospital. However, their condition was stated to be critical.

 After toiling for hours, the fire was brought under control. However, by the time the flames were extinguished, the auto-rickshaw had been completely gutted.

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The exact cause of the accident is yet to be ascertained. Police have registered a case and launched an investigation to determine the circumstances leading to the collision.