Koraput/Rayagada: A tragic road accident on National Highway 326 near Kutuli on the border of Koraput and Rayagada districts in Odisha claimed the life of a motorcyclist late on Thursday, triggering protests that paralysed traffic for over 12 hours.
According to sources, the collision occurred around 9 PM when a motorcycle crashed head-on into an auto-rickshaw. Both vehicles were badly damaged, with the auto-rickshaw overturning. The motorcycle rider died on the spot. Though the identity of the deceased has not been ascertained yet, he is believed to be a local.
Following the accident, enraged villagers and locals blocked NH-326, staging a sit-in dharna on the road. Since this section serves as a vital link between Koraput and Rayagada, vehicles have piled up on both sides since last night. Hundreds of passengers, including those in buses, remained stranded without access to food or water.
Passengers expressed frustration over the lack of intervention by administrative officials. “We have been waiting without food or water since last night. No administrative official has arrived to hold talks with the protestors,” a passenger told a local news channel.
“There are women and children on the bus. Someone was travelling to go to a hospital for treatment, while some students had to appear for exams,” said another as they rued being stuck on the NH for more than 12 hours.
