Rayagada, July 25: A tragic road accident near Shephali Hill in Rayagada district claimed the lives of two people and left another critically injured. The incident occurred while the victims were returning after visiting the famous Rameshwar Shiva shrine.

According to reports, the accident took place after the brakes of a scooter carrying three people suddenly failed. The rider lost control of the vehicle, which crashed into an electricity pole located on the roadside at the foothill.

The deceased have been identified as Sasmita Panda (33), a dance teacher from Gunupur, and Shambhunath Das (55), an Odisha auditor. Das was reportedly a resident of Rajkanika area in Kendrapara district, while Panda belonged to Bhadrak district.

Sources said that Sasmita Panda, a contractual employee at Gunupur Kendriya Vidyalaya and a dance instructor at the Indian Art and Culture Dance Research Centre, had gone to Shephali Hill along with two others on the scooter. The group visited the Rameshwar Shiva shrine at night and was returning when the accident occurred.

Following the crash, all three riders sustained serious injuries. The Gunupur fire department and a 108 ambulance reached the spot after receiving information and shifted the injured persons to the Gunupur Sub-Divisional Health Centre.

Despite treatment, Shambhunath Das was declared dead at the health centre. Sasmita Panda was later shifted to the Paralakhemundi Medical College and Hospital, where she succumbed to her injuries.

Police have seized the scooter and launched an investigation into the accident. Preliminary reports suggest that brake failure may have caused the mishap.