Malkangiri, May 17: Amid reports of fuel shortage in Odisha’s Malkangiri district, a poultry farmer has alleged that more than 5,000 broiler chickens died after the electricity supply was disrupted and a generator could not be operated due to the unavailability of diesel.

According to a source, a transformer near a poultry farm in Malkangiri town reportedly tripped, leading to a prolonged power outage. The farmer alleged that despite repeatedly informing Tata Power, the power supply could not be restored in time.

The poultry farmer then tried to rely on a generator, but claimed that it could not be operated because diesel was unavailable amid the ongoing fuel shortage.

As a result, around 5,300 broiler chickens allegedly died inside the farm, causing heavy losses to the farmer.

Meanwhile, long queues continued to be seen at several petrol pumps in the district as consumers waited to purchase petrol and diesel.

Head-On Collision In Nabarangpur
In a separate incident, two women were killed and three others critically injured after a car collided head-on with a trailer near Pradhaniguda under Papadahandi block in Odisha’s Nabarangpur district, a source said Sunday.


According to the source, the pipe-laden trailer was travelling from Papadahandi towards Kalahandi, while the car was returning to Nabarangpur from Puri with five occupants onboard.

The accident took place near Rajamatu Chhak at Pradhaniguda after the two vehicles reportedly collided head-on.

Two women travelling in the car died in the accident. They were identified as Samya and Arati.

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After receiving information, Papadahandi Police and Fire Services personnel reached the spot, rescued the injured and shifted them to Papadahandi Community Health Centre.

Later, the critically injured persons were referred to the District Headquarters Hospital in Nabarangpur for advanced treatment.

Police launched an investigation into the incident.