In the early hours of Saturday, Odisha’s Sundargarh district witnessed a devastating accident that left six people dead and five injured. The tragic incident occurred when a passenger van carrying members of a ‘kirtan’ group struck a truck from behind in the Gaikanapali area, within the Hemgiri Police Station limits.
According to police, the crash took place as the group was heading back from Chakkplai village, where they had performed a kirtan program in celebration of Diwali. The deceased hailed from Kandagoda and Samarpinda villages, both located within the district. The identities of the victims have not yet been released, but officials confirmed that all the deceased and injured were passengers in the van.
The accident, which appears to have been exacerbated by the early morning fog, has shaken the local community. “Six members of a ‘kirtan’ group died on the spot, and five others were injured. Maybe, the accident occurred due to fog in the area,” said a senior police official on the scene. Due to the limited visibility, the van, traveling at speed, may have collided with the truck, leading to the tragic loss of life.
The five injured individuals were rushed to a nearby hospital for medical treatment. As they recover, police are working to confirm the cause of the accident, though early reports suggest foggy conditions played a significant role.
This heartbreaking incident has prompted an outpouring of grief and calls for accountability among local residents. Soon after the accident, locals gathered and blocked the road, demanding compensation for the families of the deceased. They called for immediate financial support for the victims’ families, stressing the need for enhanced road safety measures in the area to prevent further tragedies.
The area has seen a rise in accidents recently, and community leaders have urged authorities to take immediate action, highlighting the dangers that inadequate road infrastructure and poor visibility can pose to residents. In response, district officials are reportedly assessing the need for improved signage, lighting, and speed regulations on the affected roads.
This accident underscores the importance of road safety awareness, particularly during times of celebration when travel is more frequent. The district administration has announced plans to conduct further investigations to determine whether additional measures, such as enhanced traffic monitoring and community awareness programs, can be implemented to mitigate risks. Authorities are also considering fog alert systems that could warn drivers in regions known for poor visibility conditions.
While the affected families await word on possible compensation, this incident serves as a grim reminder of the consequences of road accidents. The Sundargarh district administration and local police have vowed to provide all necessary support to the grieving families, urging residents to remain cautious while traveling.
For Odisha, where Diwali celebrations bring communities together in celebration, this accident has cast a somber note over the festivities. The community’s call for accountability reflects a broader need for safety measures and prompt action to support the grieving families.
This tragic event highlights the critical need for improved road safety measures and community support for affected families. Our thoughts are with those who lost loved ones in this devastating accident, and we urge authorities to ensure safe road travel for all.
