Balangir: Three children died and as many were seriously injured when a pickup van overturned near Marlad village under Titlagarh tehsil in Odisha’s Balangir district on Tuesday.
The deceased have been identified as Rajveer Tandi, Alok Tandi, and Raja Sika.
According to sources, the accident took place when the children were returning from a marriage feast held at Lesunbahali village. The driver lost control over the vehicle near Marlad bridge, where they had gone to fetch drinking water, while navigating a motorcycle and toppled. Three children died on the spot, while the other three sustained serious injuries.
The driver of the van, Vikram Tandi, fled the scene soon after the accident.
Locals rushed the injured to the sub-divisional hospital at Titlagarh. After initial treatment, they were referred to Bhima Bhoi Medical College and Hospital in Balangir.
Police reached the spot shortly after being informed and launched an investigation. Efforts are underway to nab the absconding driver.
Meanwhile, Chief Minister Mohan Majhi expressed deep sorrow over the tragedy and extended his condolences to the bereaved families. He announced an ex-gratia of Rs 4 lakh each from the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund (CMRF) to the next of kin of the deceased children.
