Trailer carrying iron rods plunges 30 feet at Khalikote Ghat on NH-16, driver critical

A trailer loaded with iron rods overturned and plunged nearly 30 feet down a ghat section of National Highway-16 near Khalikote in Odisha’s Ganjam district during the wee hours of Wednesday, leaving the driver critically injured.

The accident occurred around 1:00 am when the trailer, en route from Visakhapatnam to Kolkata, reportedly lost balance while negotiating a sharp curve on the ghat stretch. The vehicle overturned and fell down the slope, sustaining extensive damage.

The injured driver has been identified as Haider Ali (30), a resident of Vaishali district in Bihar. He suffered serious injuries, particularly to his waist. He was initially admitted to the Khalikote hospital and later shifted to MKCG Medical College and Hospital in Berhampur after his condition worsened.

Police officials said the vehicle appears to have lost control while navigating the sharp turn, leading to the mishap. A team reached the spot soon after receiving information and initiated an investigation into the incident. The transport company responsible for the consignment has been informed.

Vehicular movement on the Khalikote–Bhubaneswar stretch of NH-16 was temporarily disrupted following the accident but was restored after clearance operations.

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Local residents expressed concern over recurring accidents along the ghat section, citing sharp bends, inadequate street lighting, insufficient barricading, and road design issues as contributing factors. They urged the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) and district authorities to take immediate corrective measures to prevent further mishaps on the stretch.