Road Mishap / Two police constables killed after van collides head-on with iron-laden truck near Dhamra in Bhadrak

Bhadrak/Kataka, Nov 13: Two police constables were killed and an Sub-Inspector (SI) and a Home Guard sustained critical injuries after a police van collided head-on with an iron-laden truck at Biras Chhak near Dhamra in Odisha's Bhadrak district late Thursday night, a source said.

The police team from Puri district was travelling to Bhadrak to investigate a mobile phone theft racket when the accident occurred.

The deceased constables were identified as Ajay Bagh and Himanshu Ray. Ajay reportedly died at the accident site, while Himanshu succumbed to his injuries at SCB Medical College and Hospital in Kataka.

The injured personnel have been identified as SI Dibya Ranjan Sahu of Astaranga police station and Home Guard Prashant Jena. Both sustained serious injuries to their heads, legs and hands and were initially taken to SCB Medical College and Hospital for treatment. Sahu has since been shifted to a private hospital in Kataka, while Jena is undergoing treatment at SCB.

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Following the incident, the Puri Superintendent of Police visited the trauma casualty department at SCB and met the injured personnel to enquire about their health. Office-bearers of the Odisha Police Association also reached the hospital.

Speaking about the incident, Asit Kumar Jena, president of the Odisha Police Officers' Association, described it as tragic and raised concerns over the medical expenses of the injured personnel.

“Fortunately, the SI has private health insurance cover. We are shifting him to a private hospital in Kataka. However, the Home Guard does not have health insurance. I urge the government to bear his treatment expenses, as they met with an accident while on duty,” he said.