Bolangir, June 2: Two young cricketers lost their lives while two others sustained critical injuries in a tragic hit-and-run accident on National Highway-59 near Charbhata in Titlagarh of Odisha's Bolangir district on Tuesday evening.

The deceased have been identified as 18-year-old Subu Kumbhar of Sarguguda Madan Jal Chhak in Titlagarh town and 17-year-old Sagar Nag of Belgam village.

According to sources, the victims were among a group of young cricket players returning home after playing a match at the Charbhata playground when an unidentified speeding vehicle allegedly rammed into them. The impact of the collision was so severe that Subu and Sagar died on the spot.

Two other youths who were injured in the accident were immediately rushed to a nearby hospital and are currently undergoing treatment. Their condition is reported to be critical.

Upon receiving information, Titlagarh Police reached the spot, recovered the bodies and sent them to the government hospital mortuary for post-mortem examination.

A case has been registered, and police have launched an investigation into the incident. Officials are examining CCTV footage from the area and recording statements of eyewitnesses to identify the vehicle involved and trace the driver responsible for the fatal hit-and-run.

The incident has cast a pall of gloom over the local community, with residents mourning the untimely deaths of the two young sports enthusiasts.