Khordha, Oct 8: In a heart-wrenching incident on National Highway 16 near the Tanghi-Badapari bypass in Khordha district, a speeding truck ran over a group of sleeping cattle, killing at least 10 cows and injuring several others.

The driver fled the scene immediately after the accident, leaving behind a trail of devastation.

Local youth organizations like the Mother Teresa Youth Group and Bajrang Dal rushed to the spot and began tending to the injured animals. The tragedy has sparked outrage among locals, especially as many cattle owners have reportedly abandoned their livestock due to rising costs and lack of shelter, forcing the animals to roam freely and sleep on roads.

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This growing trend of stray cattle on highways has become a serious hazard, not only for the animals but also for motorists. Drivers often face sudden obstacles, leading to accidents that endanger both human and animal lives.

In a separate incident in Sundargarh district’s Koida block, a truck rammed into seven motorcycles, two cars, and an auto-rickshaw near the Raksi railway crossing. The vehicles were waiting at the closed railway gate when the truck hit them from behind.

Several people, including women and children, were seriously injured and rushed to the local medical facility. The exact number of casualties remains unclear.

These back-to-back accidents highlight the urgent need for better traffic regulation, animal safety measures, and awareness among vehicle operators and cattle owners alike.