Bhubaneswar: Two persons were killed and as many critically injured in a road accident, involving a car and a mini truck, on NH-16 near Janla on the outskirts of Bhubaneswar on Monday.
According to sources, the car was speeding towards the city from Khurda when the driver lost control over the steering after an unidentified vehicle overtook them dangerously and jumped the median to cross over to the other side. At the same time, a Tata Ace was coming from opposite direction and the car rammed into it at a high speed. Under the impact of the collision, the helper of the truck and a labourer died on the spot while drivers of the vehicles sustained critical injuries.
The truck’s helper, identified as Harendra Singh (55) of Nayagarh, died on the spot. Pratap Nayak (45), who was employed at a nearby construction site, was the other victim, having got stuck in the accident while crossing the highway.
While both vehicles were badly damaged in the accident, the movement of vehicles on the National Highway came to a standstill after the accident, which took place between 3.30 pm and 4 pm.
On being informed, Info Valley police rushed to the spot, seized the vehicles and restored traffic flow. They sent the bodies for postmortem and the injured to AIIMS, Bhubaneswar.
Three women lecturers of a college in Khurda travelling in the car sustained minor injuries, the sources added.