Sambalpur, Mar 9:  A tragic accident on National Highway 53 claimed the lives of three youths today when their motorcycle collided head-on with a container truck, authorities reported. The collision also triggered a fire in the container vehicle.

The incident occurred near Pithamaren under the Jamankira police limits. Reports indicate that the three youths were riding a motorcycle when it collided with a container truck coming from the opposite direction.

The impact was so severe that the motorcycle became trapped under the truck, and all three riders died on the spot. Following the collision, the motorcycle caught fire, which later spread to the front portion of the container truck. Firefighters rushed to the scene and successfully brought the blaze under control.

While the container truck sustained damage to its front portion, the motorcycle was completely gutted in the fire.

Police have launched an investigation into the accident and are examining the circumstances leading to the collision.