Road Accident / Overspeeding Scorpio Claims Two Lives in Sambalpur

Bhubaneswar, Oct 17: Odisha witnessed a series of tragic road accidents in the past few days, claiming multiple lives and leaving several others critically injured.

In Sambalpur district, a speeding Scorpio SUV met with a fatal accident late at night on National Highway‑55 near Jamatal. The vehicle, carrying seven family members from Raipur, Chhattisgarh, lost control and rammed into a divider before overturning.

The crash killed two passengers — Payal Das and Shekhar Maharaj — identified as mother‑in‑law and son‑in‑law. Five others sustained serious injuries and were rushed to VIMSAR, Burla, for treatment.

Also read: Ganga River Boat Tragedy Claims 13 Lives

Jujumura police reached the spot, recovered the bodies, and sent them to Sambalpur district Headquarters Hospital for post‑mortem. Preliminary investigation suggests overspeeding as the cause of the accident.

Meanwhile, in Gajapati district, tragedy struck at Durga Ghat when an auto‑rickshaw carrying villagers overturned. The passengers were transporting forest produce to Paralakhemundi market when the mishap occurred.

One person from Saradhapur village died during treatment at the district hospital, while four others were critically injured. One of the injured was later shifted to Berhampur for advanced care. The auto driver fled the scene after the accident, and police have launched a search.

Adding to the spate of mishaps, Brahmapur witnessed a major pile‑up on National Highway‑16 near Chamakhundi two days ago.

A series of collisions involving bikes, scooters, cars, and a truck left two people dead and more than five injured. The injured were admitted to MKCG Medical College and Hospital.