Paradeep, Sept 22: A 21-year-old critically ill patient died en route to Cuttack on Sunday evening after the ambulance transporting him was stuck in a massive traffic jam for over two and a half hours, allegedly due to poor traffic management during Vishwakarma Puja celebrations in Paradeep.

The deceased, identified as Rakesh Das, son of Maheshwar Das of Nehru Bungalow, was initially admitted to Atharbanki Medical in critical condition. Doctors there referred him to SCB Medical College and Hospital in Cuttack for urgent advanced treatment.

According to sources, the family arranged an ambulance and left Atharbanki around 5 PM. However, a heavy traffic snarl on National Highway-53, starting from the Iron Truck area, brought vehicles — including two-wheelers and four-wheelers- to a complete standstill. The ambulance reportedly took over two and a half hours to travel from Atharbanki to Dochaki, finally reaching around 7:30 PM.

During the delay, one oxygen cylinder in the ambulance was exhausted and another was used. Unfortunately, Rakesh's condition deteriorated and he succumbed near Kandarpur before reaching the hospital. Upon arrival at SCB Medical, doctors declared him brought dead.

Following post-mortem procedures on Monday, the body was handed over to the family. The victim’s brother held the administration and poor traffic arrangements responsible for the death, demanding accountability for the mismanagement during the festival rush.

Local residents have echoed the concerns, calling for immediate improvements in emergency traffic handling during public events.