Keonjhar: At least three persons were killed and another sustained critical injury as a powerful nor-wester wreaked havoc in Naranpur area of Odisha’s Keonjhar district on Thursday afternoon.
The incident was reported from Naranpur located under the jurisdiction of Kendujhar Town police station in the district.
According to preliminary information, high-velocity winds accompanied by rain led to the collapse of a tent structure, trapping several people underneath. The victims were reportedly working at the site when the incident took place.
The deceased have been identified as Alok Chipindia, Sagar Nayak and Petu Nayak, all associated with a local tend house. One person, who sustained grievous injuries in the incident, has been rushed to a nearby hospital. His condition was stated to be critical.
Expressing deep grief over the loss of lives in the tragic incident, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi announced an ex-gratia of Rs 4 lakh for the next of kin of each deceased. The assistance will be released from the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund (CMRF).
Officials said local authorities and police teams rushed to the spot soon after the incident and carried out rescue operations. The bodies were later recovered from beneath the debris.
The storm also uprooted and damaged trees in several parts of the district, causing widespread disruption. Power supply was snapped in many areas following the severe weather conditions.
Further details are awaited.
