Bhubaneswar: The Odisha State Transport Authority (STA) on Monday extolled actor-turned-politician Sidhant Mohapatra for saving an accident victim during ‘golden hour’.
The STA tweeted on Monday, “Good Samaritans like Shri Sidhant Mohapatra are a source of inspiration for all of us. Thank you for being a role model. Do not hesitate. Your timely assistance during the Golden Hour (first hour) of road accidents can save lives. Protection of a Good Samaritan is guaranteed by law.”
It is worth mentioning here that Madan Swain, a two-wheeler rider was hit by a pick-up van near Pahala on the Bhubaneswar-Cuttack road around 2.00 pm on Sunday. The former BJD MP from Berhampur who was passing by the accident site set an example by helping the accident victim reach a hospital and avail timely treatment.
Talking to the media on Monday, the former MP said, “The two-wheeler rider sustained critical injuries as the inhuman van driver dragged him several meters after the accident.”
However, Mohapatra not only called the ambulance but piloted it as well as sought police help to make way for the vehicle to pass through Behera Sahi. He also helped the accident victim to get admission to a private hospital in the Forest Park area in Bhubaneswar.
Subsequently, Mohapatra contacted the victim’s family members and stayed at the hospital till their arrival.
Creating awareness on ‘golden hour’ and encouraging people to come forward and help accident victims, Mohapatra said, “Anyone in my place would have done what I did. This is only human, but I am shocked by the way the pick-up van driver continued to drag the victim after the accident. This caused more injuries to the victim. I urge everyone to help accident victims, especially during the ‘Golden Hour’ which can save many lives.”
