Malkangiri, Jun 10: For the second time in just four months, Chitrakonda MLA Mangu Khilla has narrowly escaped a major accident. The Congress legislator survived unhurt on Wednesday when a massive tree collapsed on his vehicle during a sudden Kal Baisakhi storm.

The incident occurred near Balb-House Square in the Chitrakonda valley whille Khilla was on a field visit to Doraguda in his constituency in Odisha’s Malkangiri district.

According to sources, Khilla was trapped inside the vehicle following the impact. Quick intervention by his representative, Isaac Khosla, helped avert a greater tragedy, as immediate action was taken to ensure the MLA’s safety. Rescue operations are still underway to remove the giant tree and fully secure the vehicle.

Witnesses said the force of the falling tree severely damaged the vehicle, leaving Khilla momentarily stuck inside. Fortunately, he escaped without injuries. Upon receiving information, locals rushed to the spot, and rescue operations continue to clear debris.

The incident underscores the risks posed by sudden summer storms in Odisha, which often bring strong winds, heavy rain, and falling trees. Residents expressed relief that the legislator survived, crediting the swift response of aides and volunteers.

This is not Khilla’s first close call. In March this year, he and 36 others narrowly escaped tragedy when the rear tyre of the bus they were travelling in caught fire during a late-night journey from Bhubaneswar to his constituency. The incident occurred near Ramabhadrapuram in Andhra Pradesh.
Also Read: Bus Catches Fire in Andhra Pradesh; Malkangiri MLA Mangu Khilla Among Passengers Escapes Unhurt

“The bus was completely engulfed in flames,” Khilla recalled. “Thanks to the driver’s presence of mind, all passengers managed to disembark safely. It was the middle of a jungle, and the situation could have turned tragic.”

Khilla’s repeated brushes with danger have drawn attention to the precarious conditions faced by public representatives during travel in remote regions. His survival in both incidents has been attributed to quick thinking by aides and drivers, as well as timely intervention by local residents.