One person was killed and five others sustained critical injuries after an ambulance collided with a stationary sand-laden truck on NH-55 in the early hours of Saturday.

The 108 ambulance was en route from Boudh to Burla in Odisha's Sambalpur with a patient when it crashed into the rear of the truck, which had reportedly broken down near Phuljharan, under the jurisdiction of Jujumura Police Station.

According to initial reports, the severely damaged ambulance left one person dead on the spot, while the injured were rushed to a nearby hospital for emergency treatment. Police have launched an investigation into the incident.

Attendant Dies On The Spot

In the impact of the collision, the attendant of the 108 ambulance died on the spot, while five others, including the patient, sustained grievous injuries. All injured persons were shifted to Burla Medical for urgent treatment, sources said.

According to reports, the front portion of the ambulance was completely damaged due to the severity of the collision. It is suspected that low visibility caused by fog may have contributed to the crash.

Rescue Operation Lasted Nearly Two Hours

The driver, ambulance attendant and pharmacist were seated in the front of the ambulance and got trapped after the collision. The Jujumura Fire Services Department reached the location immediately after receiving information and launched a rescue operation. 

According to reports, the Fire Brigade personnel rescued the trapped driver, pharmacist and attendant. It took nearly two hours to rescue them from the vehicle. However, the attendant succumbed to injuries at the accident location and the body was later sent for post-mortem.

Investigation And Allegations

The patient, seated at the rear, and a relative accompanying them were also injured and shifted to the hospital along with the pharmacist and the driver. Preliminary investigation indicates that speeding and low visibility caused by fog might have led to the accident. 

Also Read: Driver dead, highway choked after two trucks collide head-on in Odisha’s Bolangir

Locals alleged that 108 ambulance drivers are being made to work 24-hour shifts without a rotation system, which may have resulted in the driver being over-exhausted and dozing off at the wheel, leading to the crash. However, no definite reason had been established at the time of reporting.