The deceased has been identified as Ipsita Barala, a Plus-II first-year student of Satyam Shivam Sundaram College in the district and a native of Belapada village.
According to sources, the accident took place while Ipsita was heading towards the college with her friend Shreyashree Mohanty of Kaunriapala village on a scooter to attend the annual function. They were rushed to Dhenkanal district headquarters hospital, where doctors declared Ipsita dead.
Following the accident, local residents and students of the college blocked the highway at Dhalapur Chhak demanding compensation for the bereaved family. They also alleged that ash powder used for expansion of roads in the area reduced visibility, leading to the accident.
Soon, police and local tehsildar reached the spot and pacified the irate locals and students.