Athmallik, Jul 17: A man lost his life in a tragic road accident while returning after witnessing the Rath Yatra celebrations in Odisha's Athmallik area.

The deceased has been identified as Ranjan Barik, a resident of Basudevpur Panchayat. The accident occurred near Laupal on the Athmallik–Boudh road when his motorcycle met with an accident under circumstances that are yet to be ascertained.

Following the mishap, Ranjan was rushed to the Athmallik Sub-Divisional Hospital in a 108 ambulance. However, doctors declared him dead on arrival.

The incident has cast a pall of gloom over his native village. Police are expected to investigate the cause of the accident.