Bhubaneswar, Dec 1: Union Minister of Education and Skill Development & Entrepreneurship, Dharmendra Pradhan on Friday expressed deep grief over the loss of lives in a road accident in Odisha's Keonjhar district.

Minister Dharmendra Pradhan also expressed his condolences to the bereaved family members and prayed for the speedy recovery of those injured in the fatal road mishap.

"I am saddened to hear the news of loss of lives in a fatal road accident near Ghatgaon in Keonjhar district. I express condolences to the bereaved family; may the immortal souls rest in peace. May the Lord Mahaprabhu give infinite strength and courage to the victims' family members during this difficult time. Wishing the injured a speedy recovery," Minister Dharmendra Pradhan posted on X, formerly known as Twitter.

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At least eight people died and 12 others sustained severe injuries when the vehicle in which they were travelling in crashed into a stationary truck on NH-20 near Ghatgaon in Keonjhar district early in the morning.

Also Read: Odisha News 

The deceased and the victims belonged to two families of Pudamari village under Digapahandi police station limits in Ganjam district. They were heading to Goddess Tarini temple in Ghatgaon, sources said.