​​​​​​​Rayagada, Sept 25: In a tragic incident, at least two people were killed and one sustained serious injuries after a tipper truck crashed into a tree in Gunupur area of Odisha’s Rayagada district in the wee hours of Thursday.

The deceased have been identified as Alikhya Patika and Ajay Palka, both residents of Arjunaguda village under Ramanaguda block. The driver of the vehicle was critically injured in the mishap.

As per reports, the mishap took place near Bhaleri Kudia village under Gunupur police limits when the tipper was returning to Gunupur after unloading sand. The driver lost control over the wheels following which the ill-fated vehicle veered off the main road and rammed into a roadside tree.

Locals immediately alerted the police and all three victims were rushed to the Gunupur Sub-Divisional Hospital by ambulance. However, doctors confirmed that Alikhya and Ajay had succumbed to their injuries. The driver, whose condition remains critical, was referred to another hospital for advanced treatment.

A case has been registered and further investigation is underway to ascertain the circumstances that led to the accident, said the police.