Rayagada, March 15: Two people lost their lives and seven others were injured after a pickup van carrying rice overturned near Kachapaju village under Bishamakatak police station in Rayagada district late on Saturday night.

The deceased have been identified as Drinz Saraka and Madan Saraka. One of them died at the accident site, while the other succumbed to injuries while undergoing treatment at the Bishamakatak Community Health Centre (CHC).

Reports said the victims were returning in the pickup van after milling rice when the mishap occurred. The vehicle is believed to have overturned after the driver lost control late at night.

Among the injured, Hima Saraka sustained critical injuries and was shifted to MKCG Medical College and Hospital in Berhampur for advanced treatment.

Other injured persons were under treatment at the Bishamakatak hospital.

Police from Bishamakatak have initiated an investigation to determine the exact cause of the accident.