Pipili (Puri): A routine afternoon at the bustling Chandua market in Pipili turned chaotic on Friday after a speeding car went out of control and ploughed through people, motorcycles and roadside shops, leaving at least five persons seriously injured. The incident occurred around 12:30 pm when the market, as usual, was crowded with traders, shoppers and vehicles.
According to eyewitnesses, a black car approached the marketplace at high speed from the Puri side. Before anyone could react, the vehicle rammed into two motorcycles coming from the opposite direction, throwing the riders onto the road. Instead of stopping, the car swerved sharply, hitting two more motorcycles and causing panic among passersby.
After colliding with four two-wheelers, the car veered left and crashed into a row of roadside shops, extensively damaging at least four establishments. People in the market scrambled for safety as the vehicle tore through the narrow stretch before finally coming to a halt.
All five injured persons were rushed to a nearby hospital, where they are undergoing treatment. Their conditions had not been updated at the time of reporting.
Pipili police arrived at the scene shortly after the accident, seized the vehicle and detained the driver. Preliminary investigation revealed that the car is registered in Bhubaneswar and belongs to one Rajanikanta Baliarsingh. Officers said they were still verifying whether Baliarsingh was driving the car during the incident or whether someone else was behind the wheel.
Police are also probing whether the driver was under the influence of alcohol or any intoxicant when the mishap took place. A detailed investigation has been launched to determine the cause of the accident, assess possible mechanical faults and record witness statements.
