Biramitrapur, Feb 2: A tragic accident occurred late on Sunday night in Odisha’s Sundargarh district when a 16-wheeler truck plunged off the Jamunanaki bridge under the Biramitrapur police station jurisdiction. The accident resulted in the death of a truck labourer and left the driver critically injured.

Preliminary reports suggest the truck lost control after hitting the bridge divider, causing it to fall into the Sankh River below. The impact of the fall proved fatal for the labourer, who was travelling in the truck. He was declared dead at the scene, while the driver sustained severe injuries and was rushed to Rourkela Government Hospital for immediate treatment.

Officials confirmed that the truck was not carrying any cargo at the time of the accident. Both the driver and the deceased labourer were reported to be from outside the state.

Being informed, police teams from Biramitrapur and Brahmani police stations arrived at the scene and began their investigation. Authorities are currently probing the incident, and the driver is expected to be questioned once his condition stabilizes. Early investigations suggest that fatigue or unfamiliarity with the route could have contributed to the mishap. Additionally, authorities are examining whether the driver was under the influence of alcohol at the time of the accident.

The truck was recovered from the river on Monday morning with the assistance of heavy machinery. A detailed investigation is ongoing, and the police have assured that appropriate actions will be taken once the inquiry is complete.