SUV rams bike on NH-20 near Keonjhar, 2 killed

Keonjhar: Two men died on the spot after an SUV allegedly rammed their motorcycle from behind near Khajurijuani village on National Highway-20 under Ghatagaon police limits on Tuesday. The deceased were identified as Prafulla Malick (35) and Akash Majhi (27), both from Jajpur district.Sources said the duo was travelling on a bike from Keonjhar towards Koira to leave the vehicle at a relative’s house. Their family members were ahead in a pickup van carrying household items as one of them had secured a job in Koira.Near Khajurijuani, the vehicle allegedly speeding towards Keonjhar, hit the bike. The impact reportedly pushed the motorcycle some distance, throwing the riders off. Both died on the spot.Locals alerted Ghatagaon police and the bodies were shifted to Keonjhar district headquarters hospital, where doctors declared them brought dead. The relatives, who were travelling ahead, returned after the crash.Dhenkikote phandi in charge Trinath Nayak said both vehicles have been seized. “Post-mortem will be conducted tomorrow and further investigation is on,” he said.