Balasore, April 3: A tragic road accident near Khantapada’s Khusi Hotel on National Highway-16 claimed the life of a three-year-old girl and left five others critically injured after a speeding Mahindra Thar SUV rammed into an auto-rickshaw from behind.
According to sources, the SUV was moving at a high speed when it suddenly hit the auto, crushing it completely. The impact was so severe that all six members of a family travelling in the auto sustained grievous injuries. The driver of the Thar reportedly attempted to flee the spot but was intercepted by locals.
The victims are residents of Basubarhampur village under Chakjagannathpur panchayat in Balasore district. They were travelling for personal work when the mishap occurred.
All the injured were first rushed to Khantapada hospital. However, the three-year-old girl succumbed to her injuries during treatment. The remaining five, whose condition remains critical, have been shifted to Balasore Medical College and Hospital for advanced care.
Khantapada police have reached the accident site, seized both the vehicles, and initiated a detailed investigation.
The incident has cast a pall of gloom over the village, with locals expressing grief over the child’s death and praying for the recovery of the injured.
