A terrifying accident unfolded at a busy intersection in Bhubaneswar on Saturday morning when a speeding truck ploughed into a stationary car, dragging the mangled vehicle for nearly 20 metres before coming to a stop. In a miraculous turn of events, the car driver escaped with his life despite the severe damage to his automobile.
A Terrifying Ordeal at the Traffic Signal
The incident occurred at Power House Square near Kalinga Stadium in the early hours. Harman Mohanty, a resident of Unit VI, was waiting in his car for the red signal to turn green, on his way for a morning jog at the stadium. Suddenly, a massive impact from behind shoved his car forward violently. "I thought it was the end," recounted Mohanty, describing the terrifying moment. "There was a massive thud, and I felt the car being shoved forward. I closed my eyes and prayed. I truly believed I wouldn't survive this."
Eyewitnesses reported that the heavy vehicle, approaching from behind at high speed, failed to brake in time. The force of the collision was so intense that the car got lodged under the truck's bumper. The truck continued its momentum, pushing the car across the busy intersection. It finally came to a halt at the next junction near the stadium, leaving onlookers in shock.
Driver Fatigue and Immediate Aftermath
Police officials promptly arrived at the scene and detained the truck driver. During initial questioning, the driver reportedly admitted to being overcome by sleep deprivation, having been behind the wheel all night. "We have registered a case and initiated an investigation," stated a police official.
The accident caused temporary traffic congestion on the major artery connecting Jayadev Vihar to Governor House. Authorities had to use a crane to clear the wreckage from the road and restore normal traffic flow.
Raising Concerns Over Heavy Vehicles and Road Safety
While the car was extensively damaged, the incident has reignited serious concerns about road safety and the movement of heavy vehicles on the city's internal roads. Residents are alarmed by the potential risk such incidents pose, especially during early morning hours when many people are out for walks.
"Heavy vehicles should not be allowed to ply on internal roads in the first place," said Sanjay Jena, a resident of Shastri Nagar. "Hundreds of people are out for morning walks on these roads. They could even have been victims. The police need to take the matter seriously." The incident underscores the critical issue of driver fatigue and the enforcement of regulations for commercial vehicles operating within city limits.
