Bhubaneswar: Police investigating the fatal road accident near Press Chowk on Monday evening have determined that the driver suffered a sudden and severe coughing fit, causing him to lose control of the vehicle. The SUV veered off the road, crashing into several parked vehicles and a group of people at a roadside tea stall.
Three Dead, Three Injured
Two men died at the scene, and a third victim succumbed to injuries at the hospital on Tuesday, raising the death toll to three. Three others injured in the accident are receiving treatment at separate hospitals.
The driver, identified as 30-year-old Anil Kumar Gouda, was arrested on Tuesday. Police confirmed he was not intoxicated at the time of the accident. Gouda had fled the scene fearing retaliation from angry locals but surrendered at Maitree Vihar police station hours later.
Driver's Claim
“We immediately subjected him to a breathalyser test, which turned out negative. During interrogation, he claimed he was unwell and lost control due to severe coughing. He produced his medical prescription and cough syrup,” said ACP (Zone-V) Biswa Ranjan Senapati. He added, “Gouda should not have driven in such a condition. His rash and negligent conduct led to this tragedy.”
Gouda had been driving the SUV of a coal transporter from Rangamatia area for four years. On Monday evening, he dropped his employer and family at Biju Patnaik International Airport and was returning alone to Rangamatia when the accident occurred around 8:30 pm in front of New Government Colony, along the Press Chowk–Railway Stadium route.
Victims Identified
“Six persons were injured, of whom three have died — Santosh Behera (55), Jerrom Ekka (55) and Laxmidhar Toppo (65). Behera and Ekka were declared dead on arrival at a private hospital on Monday, while Toppo died at AIIMS Bhubaneswar on Tuesday,” ACP Senapati said.
The three injured — auto-rickshaw driver Sankarlal Sharma (50), Sulagna Dey (26) and Subrat Mishra (35) — are undergoing treatment. Sharma’s condition is reported to be critical.
Investigation and Action
The regional transport office (Bhubaneswar Zone-II) and Maitree Vihar police have launched a joint inspection to ascertain the circumstances behind the crash. “We will suspend the accused’s driving licence,” an RTO official said.
