Kendrapada: Five members of a wedding party, including four women, were killed and nine others seriously injured after a Bolero they were travelling in crashed into a stationary truck on NH-53 at Barada Chhack under Jenapur police limits in Jajpur district on Monday morning. The accident occurred around 5 am as the group was returning to their village after attending a wedding in Keonjhar district, police said.
Victims identified
The deceased were identified as Malati Munda (14), daughter of Ratnakar Munda; her mother Balema Munda (35); Kanda Purty (45); his wife Gita Purty (38); and Namita Nayak (35), all residents of Sasanpur-Ostampur village under Barachana police limits. The injured have been admitted to hospitals in Barachana and nearby areas, said Manoranjan Sethi, IIC of Jenapur police station.
Preliminary probe and rescue
Preliminary investigation suggests rash driving led to the crash. Police have seized both the mangled Bolero and the truck involved. Bodies were handed over to the families after postmortem, police added. Locals rushed to the spot after hearing the loud impact and helped rescue victims from the wreckage. “We pulled out passengers trapped inside the vehicle,” said Narendra Behera, a resident of Barada Chhack.
Local concerns over illegal parking
Residents alleged that unauthorised parking of heavy vehicles on the highway contributed to the accident. “Illegal parking on NH stretches continues unchecked, posing a serious threat to commuters,” said Mahendra Jena, another local. The incident has reignited demands for stricter enforcement of traffic rules on the national highway.
Government response
Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi expressed grief over the incident and announced an ex gratia of Rs 4 lakh from the Chief Minister's Relief Fund for the next of kin of each deceased. He also directed officials to ensure proper treatment for the injured.
The accident has shocked the local community, with many calling for better road safety measures on NH-53. Police have registered a case and are investigating further.
