Paradip youth dies as ambulance gets stuck in heavy traffic jam during Bishwakarma Puja celebration

A 21-year-old youth from Odisha's Paradip lost his life on Sunday after the ambulance carrying him allegedly remained trapped in a massive traffic jam for hours. The incident occurred allegedly due to mismanagement during the Bishwakarma Puja celebrations. 

The deceased, identified as Rakesh Das of Nehrubangla, was being shifted to Cuttack’s SCB Medical College and Hospital after meeting with an accident. He was declared dead on arrival by doctors.

According to reports, a huge crowd had gathered in Paradip for Bishwakarma Puja, leading to heavy congestion on the Atharabanki–Dochaki road. Hundreds of vehicles were stranded, and the ambulance carrying Rakesh got stuck in the jam. It took nearly two-and-a-half hours to cross just a few kilometres. With the vehicle immobile for hours, the oxygen cylinder inside the ambulance allegedly ran out, worsening his condition.

Family’s Allegations

Rakesh’s mother, in a tearful appeal, urged the public to ensure ambulances are given way during procession programmes. “I would request people to make way during the procession programmes so that no one else has to die like my son,” she said.

His brother recounted the ordeal, stating, “The jam was so heavy that four queues of vehicles were there on the wrong side. I pleaded and begged people to move aside and make way. The people in the traffic responded that they are stuck too, and in an emergency. It took nearly three hours to cross the jam for the reason my brother passed away.”

Cause of the Tragedy

As per sources, Rakesh had first been taken to Atharbanki hospital in a critical condition following an accident before being referred to SCB Medical College & Hospital in Cuttack. However, the traffic jam on NH-53 caused by the Bishwakarma Puja celebration at Paradip delayed his treatment. 

Eyewitnesses alleged that multiple trucks parked unlawfully on the wrong route added to the chaos.

Questions Over Police Role

Questions are now being raised over whether adequate personnel were deployed in the area to handle the crowd and vehicle movement.