8 Dead As Winger Rams Into Truck In Keonjhar

Keonjhar, Dec 1: As many as eight devotees died while going to Ghatagaon Tarini temple as a Tata Winger Multipurpose utility vehicle (MPV) rammed into a truck on the National Highway 20 (NH 20) near Balijodi under Ghatagaon police station in Keonjhar district today early morning.

The unfortunate incident happened when the Winger carrying eight people including the driver was on its way to Maa's temple. They were only three kilometres away from their destination when the deadly accident took place.

According to sources, the visitors were residents of Digapahandi of Ganjam district.

In all eight people of two families have died and 12 others are injured.

The dead include Rudra Gouda (4), Babula Gouda (50), Madan Gouda (35), Bayaghana Gouda (65), Padmini Gouda(40), Ili Pradhan, Akasha Pradhan, Mita Pradhan. Three of the dead are reportedly the realtives of ex Rajya Sabha MP Renubala Pradhan.

The injured are Hari Omm Gouda (17), Basanti Gouda (40), Chinmaya Gouda(17),Salini Gouda(6),Mama Gouda(23)Saroj Gouda(4), Ranjita Gouda(16), Sairam Gouda(3), Santosini Gouda(17),Kuna Gouda(30), Jhumuri Gouda(35), Jagdish Gouda(15). The injured have been rushed to Keonjhar District Headquarters Hospital (DHH).

After getting information, police reached the spot and started investigation into the matter.