Bhubaneswar: The State Transport Authority (STA), Odisha, on Monday lauded actor-turned-politician Sidhant Mohapatra for rescuing an accident victim during ‘golden hour’.
“Good Samaritans like Shri Sidhant Mohapatra are source of inspiration for all of us. Thank you for being a role model. Do not hesitate.Your timely assistance during the Golden Hour (first hour) of road accident can save lives. Protection of a Good Samaritan is guaranteed by law,” the STA tweeted.
The former MP set an example by making arrangement to send an accident accident, Madan Swain, to hospital as the two-wheeler rider sustained critical injuries after being hit by a van, which also dragged him for some metres near the flyover at Pahala on Bhubaneswar-Cuttack road around 2 pm on Sunday. The accident took place in front of his car.
Mohapatra not only piloted the ambulance but also sought help of police to make way for the vehicle through Behera Sahi. The injured was admitted to a private hospital at Forest Park in Bhubaneswar.
The former MP then tried to contact his family members and stayed put at the hospital till they arrived around 4.30 pm.
In 2021, the Road Ministry launched a scheme for ‘Good Samaritans’ under which a cash award of Rs 5,000 will be given to those who save the life of a road accident victim by rushing him/her to hospital within the ‘golden hour’ of the mishap.
The STA has also been tweeting posts to create awareness on ‘golden hour’ and encourage people to come to the rescue of accident victims. Using the title of Manoj Bajpayee recently-released compelling courtroom drama film, Sirf Ek Bandaa Kaafi Hai, the authority recently tweeted: Your assistance in the ‘Golden Hour’ of road accident can save lives. Do not hesitate to help.
Also Read: Actor Manoj Bajpayee Responds To STA-Odisha’s ‘Sirf Ek Bandaa Kaafi Hai’ Tweet On Road Safety