Berhampur, Sept 25: In a tragic road accident late Wednesday night, three motorcycle riders lost their lives after being hit by a speeding truck near Mahanala village, close to the Public Works Department (PWD) guest house in Patapur block of Ganjam district.

The deceased have been identified as Ashwini Kumar Dora and Balakrishna Reddy of Digapahandi area, and Kalia Behera of Pandarasahi. According to sources, the three were traveling from Patapur towards Digapahandi on a motorcycle when a highway truck collided with them near Mahanala.

The impact of the collision was so severe that all three victims died on the spot. Following the incident, tension prevailed in the area, with locals expressing anger over increasing road accidents and demanding stricter traffic enforcement.

Police have launched an investigation into the matter. Further details are awaited.