Vehicle carrying pilgrims from Madhya Pradesh crashes near Pipili, 6 women injured

At least six women pilgrims were injured, one of them critically, after the vehicle in which they were travelling crashed into a roadside electric pole near Teishipur Chhak under Pipili police limits while en route to Puri on Tuesday.

According to preliminary information, around 20 pilgrims from Madhya Pradesh were travelling in a Traveller vehicle to the holy town of Puri for darshan at the Shree Jagannath Temple. The mishap occurred when the vehicle allegedly lost balance while negotiating the stretch near Teishipur Chhak and veered off the road before hitting an electric pole with considerable force.

The impact left several passengers injured, with six women sustaining visible injuries. One of the injured women was reported to be in critical condition. Local residents rushed to the spot on hearing the sound of the crash and alerted the police and emergency services. 

The injured were rescued from the damaged vehicle and shifted to a nearby hospital, where they are currently undergoing treatment.

Police personnel from Pipili reached the accident site soon after receiving information. The damaged vehicle was seized, and traffic movement in the area was temporarily affected during the rescue operation. Officials said a detailed investigation has been initiated to determine the exact cause of the accident, including possible overspeeding or mechanical failure.

Also Read: Puri Jagannath Temple admin prepares SOP for protocol during visits by VIPs

The incident has once again highlighted concerns over road safety, especially involving tourist and pilgrim vehicles travelling to Puri, which witnesses heavy traffic throughout the year.