Father and Daughter Fight for Life After Terrifying Bridge Plunge on NH-18
A routine journey turned into a nightmare on Monday when a high-speed collision on National Highway 18 sent a scooter and a car plunging nearly 20 feet off a bridge, leaving a man and his young daughter critically injured. The horrific accident occurred near Budhikhamari square, sending shockwaves through the local community.
Details of the Catastrophic Collision
According to eyewitness accounts, the tragic incident unfolded as a car was traveling from Baripada towards Balasore. The vehicle reportedly struck a scooter carrying a man and his 6-year-old daughter with tremendous force. The impact was so violent that both the rider and the child were thrown from the scooter and over the side of the bridge.
In a subsequent chain of events, the car driver lost control of the vehicle, which also careened off the edge of the bridge before crashing into the river below. Police authorities have confirmed that they are still working to formally identify all the injured persons involved in this devastating crash.
Heroic Local Rescue and Medical Response
Displaying remarkable community spirit, local residents immediately sprang into action upon witnessing the accident. They mobilized a rapid rescue operation, pulling the victims from the crash site with urgency and determination. All injured individuals were promptly transported to the Medical College and Hospital in Baripada for initial emergency treatment.
Due to the scooter rider's rapidly deteriorating condition, medical professionals made the critical decision to refer him to SCB Medical College and Hospital in Cuttack for advanced trauma care. Police officials have stated that the current condition of both the young child and the car driver remains critical, with medical teams working tirelessly to stabilize their injuries.
Ongoing Investigation and Safety Concerns
This tragic incident has once again highlighted serious concerns about road safety on National Highway 18. The bridge near Budhikhamari square has now become the site of a devastating accident that has left a family shattered and a community in mourning.
Authorities are expected to conduct a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the collision, including:
- The exact speed of the vehicles involved
- Potential contributing factors to the loss of control
- Safety measures currently in place on the bridge
- Previous accident history in this particular location
The resilience shown by local residents in their immediate rescue efforts stands as a testament to human compassion in the face of tragedy, even as the victims continue their fight for survival in hospital intensive care units.
