2 dead, 5 injured after speeding dumper runs over crowd in Odisha

At least two people were killed and five others, including three journalists, were injured after a speeding dumper truck rammed into a group of people on National Highway-18 near Baripada in Odisha's Mayurbhanj district on Friday, police said.

The accident occurred near Phulabani when people had gathered at the site of an earlier road mishap involving a timber-laden vehicle that had overturned on the highway. Efforts were underway to remove the overturned vehicle and clear the road when the dumper truck reportedly lost control and ploughed into those standing nearby.

According to preliminary information, several people, including media personnel covering the incident, were present at the spot when the dumper approached at high speed. The vehicle allegedly ran over the group, leaving seven people trapped in its path.

The impact triggered panic in the area as local residents rushed to rescue the victims. Bystanders helped pull the injured from the accident site and shifted them to nearby hospitals before emergency services arrived.

Two people succumbed to their injuries in the incident, while five others sustained injuries of varying severity. Among the injured are three journalists who were reportedly photographing the earlier accident when they were struck by the dumper. Officials said they suffered serious injuries.

INJURED UNDERGOING TREATMENT

All the injured were admitted to the PRM Medical College and Hospital in Baripada, where they are undergoing treatment under medical supervision. Hospital authorities said the condition of some of the injured remains critical.

Police and district administration officials reached the scene soon after receiving information about the accident. The crash temporarily disrupted traffic on National Highway-18 as rescue operations and vehicle removal were carried out. Traffic movement was later restored after authorities cleared the road.

Police have launched an investigation to ascertain the exact circumstances that led to the crash, including whether overspeeding or driver negligence was responsible. Further legal action will be taken based on the findings of the investigation.

The incident has cast a pall of gloom over the area, with local residents expressing concern over road safety on the busy highway. Authorities said they are closely monitoring the treatment of the injured while the probe into the accident continues.

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