Balasore, Mar 19: In a tragic road accident, two people died when a potato-laden truck crashed into a road divider on National Highway-16 near Talnagar bridge under Soro police limits in Odisha’s Balasore district on Thursday.
The identities of the victims are yet to be ascertained.

According to initial reports, the accident occurred in the early hours while the truck was travelling from West Bengal to Bhubaneswar. Upon reaching the Talnagar area, the vehicle first struck another vehicle before smashing into the road divider.

The force of the collision caused the driver and his assistant to be thrown from the truck along with the potato sacks, which fell beneath the bridge, trapping them under the heavy load.

On receiving information, the National Highway patrol police and Soro fire services personnel rushed to the scene. With assistance from local residents, a prolonged rescue operation was carried out to recover the victims. They were rushed to Soro Hospital, where doctors declared both deceased.

Authorities have urged motorists to adhere strictly to road safety norms and drive cautiously, particularly on highways, to prevent such tragic incidents.