Driver dies as SUV rams into house

Keonjhar: A 25-year-old driver died and six others were injured when an SUV rammed into a house at Badabil village on NH-220 under Patna police station limits early on Monday. Over 10 people were asleep inside the house.

They escaped unhurt.The deceased was identified as Sk Maimuddin (25) of Kusunupur village under Ghatgaon police station limits. Police said the car occupants were returning from a marriage ceremony at Rairangpur in Mayurbhanj when the accident took place in the early hours. The driver allegedly lost control, rammed into the house and the vehicle overturned. He died on the spot.Police, along with fire services and locals, rescued the injured from the vehicle and took them to Patna community health centre.Following the accident, locals protested by burning tyres and blocking the highway, demanding speed breakers and compensation for the damaged house. They initially did not allow the body to be removed.Vehicular movement on both sides of the highway was disrupted due to the protest and after discussions with the police and the local administration, the blockade was withdrawn after over an hour.“After talks, the blockade was lifted and traffic resumed. The body has been sent for a post-mortem, the vehicle seized and further investigation is on,” Kiran Pal Sahu, inspector in-charge of Patna police station, said.