Youth critically injured after truck hits bike, falls from Mahanadi bridge in Cuttack

A 25-year-old youth sustained critical injuries after he fell off the Mahanadi Bridge in Cuttack, Odisha, when his motorcycle was allegedly sideswiped by a speeding truck in the early hours of Thursday. The mishap occurred around 4:30 a.m., police sources said.

The injured has been identified as Satish Rout, a resident of Chhatia in Jagatsinghpur district. According to eyewitnesses, Rout was on his way to Cuttack when a heavy vehicle brushed against his motorcycle, causing him to lose control and plunge off the bridge.

Local commuters immediately alerted police and fire services, who launched a rescue operation. The youth was found in a critical state and rushed to the SCB Medical College and Hospital (SCBMCH) in Cuttack for emergency treatment

According to reports, eyewitnesses immediately informed the Fire Services Department after witnessing the incident. Personnel from the Chauliaganj Fire Station rushed to the spot and launched a rescue operation. 

A stretcher was sent down the bridge, and the injured youth was carefully placed on it and pulled up to safety. He was then taken to SCBMCH, where he was undergoing treatment at the hospital’s casualty department at the time of reporting. Following his rescue, his family members were also informed.

Cause and Circumstances

Reports indicate that the youth sustained serious injuries to his back, chest, and head. It is believed that his life was saved as he fell onto a sandy portion of the riverbed, where the water level was low at the time. Officials stated that if the water level had been higher, the situation could have been far more serious.

Concerns Over Traffic Safety

Locals alleged that heavy vehicles such as trucks and buses often violate speed limits and ignore speed breakers on the bridge, leading to frequent accidents. They stated that such mishaps occur regularly in the area. 

The continuous movement of vehicles throughout the day and night reportedly facilitated the youth’s timely rescue after the incident.