Bhadrak, Jan 28: A man and his wife sustained critical injuries while their three-year-old boy was killed in a tragic accident near Dahani Gadia Square on National Highway‑16 on Wednesday.


The victims have been identified as Rajat Jena and his wife from Malati Patana village in Mayurbhanj district.


According to reports, the mishap occurred when the couple along with their son was on their way to Bhubaneswar. Meanwhile, their motorcycle was hit by speeding pickup van. As a result, the trio fell on the road.


They were immediately rushed to nearby hospital where the minor boy was declared dead by doctors. 


Upon being alerted, police reached the spot and seized the pickup van. The driver reportedly fled the scene, and efforts are underway to trace and apprehend him.


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Authorities have registered a case and initiated an investigation into the circumstances of the crash, including possible overspeeding and negligence.


The incident has sparked concern among locals about rising accidents on NH‑16, a busy highway that often witnesses reckless driving.