Rayagada, Aug 3: A devastating road accident occurred in the early hours of Sunday near Gumma Ghat in Rayagada district, when a tanker truck reportedly suffered a brake failure and veered off the road, crashing into a residential house and two nearby shops.

The incident took place around 3:00 a.m., as the vehicle was en route from Tikiri to Rayagada. According to preliminary investigations, the truck lost control due to mechanical failure, leading to the collision.

Tragically, an elderly woman identified as Lakshmi Patra, who was sleeping inside the house at the time, was killed in the crash. Another individual sustained injuries.

The driver of the truck, a resident of Tushura in Sundargarh district, was critically injured and has been admitted to the Rayagada District Headquarters Hospital for treatment.

Emergency response teams, including the fire brigade, arrived promptly at the scene and have been conducting rescue and recovery operations.