Jharsuguda, June 15: Tragedy struck near Budhipadar village in Odisha's Jharsuguda district on Sunday when two youths drowned while bathing in the Ib River.

The deceased were identified as Pankaj Kumar Sahu (21) and Abhiram Sahu (16), residents under the Sadar police jurisdiction.

According to reports, the incident occurred when the two youths entered the river for a bath and were swept away by the current near the embankment area. Local residents who witnessed the incident rushed to their aid and managed to pull them out of the water before informing emergency services.

However, family members alleged that the ambulance arrived late at the spot, causing a delay in medical assistance. The two youths were subsequently shifted to the District Headquarters Hospital, where doctors declared them dead.

Following the deaths, relatives and family members accused the authorities of negligence, claiming that delays in ambulance services and treatment contributed to the tragedy. They alleged lapses in the emergency response system and demanded accountability.

The incident triggered tension at the District Headquarters Hospital, where grieving family members gathered and protested against the alleged delay in medical care.

Further investigation into the incident is underway, and more details are awaited.