Travellers collide with stationary truck at Taptapani Ghat, 3 injured

At least 20 passengers had a narrow escape after a travellers vehicle met with an accident at Taptapani Ghat along the Ganjam–Gajapati border on Sunday. Three persons, including the driver, were injured in the mishap and have been admitted to Digapahandi Medical for treatment.

The accident occurred near Palukhola under Patapur police limits when the travellers vehicle rammed into an iron-rod-laden truck that was parked on the roadside after developing a mechanical fault. The impact left the driver of the travellers and two passengers injured.

Emergency services were rushed to the scene, and all the injured were transferred to Digapahandi Medical in an 108 ambulance. Their condition is stated to be stable.

According to sources, the travellers vehicle was carrying more than 20 passengers who had set out from Bhubaneswar for a picnic trip to Taptapani and Jirang. While negotiating the Taptapani Ghat section near Palukhola, the vehicle reportedly failed to notice the stationary truck on the roadside and collided with it.

The accident led to panic among the passengers, though a major tragedy was averted. Police arrived at the scene soon after receiving the information and initiated an investigation into the incident. Traffic movement in the area was briefly affected before being restored.