Bhubaneswar: The Khordha-Balangir National Highway (NH-57) continued to claim attention for safety concerns late last night when an ambulance originating from Bhubaneswar, en route to Boudh-Phulbani, veered off the road and crashed into a house belonging to local resident Babula Gantayat in Buguda village under Takara panchayat in Daspalla of Nayagarh district.
The impact caused minor injuries to Babula’s elder daughter, who was reportedly near the site. Tragically, a pet dog sleeping in the vicinity died on the spot. A bicycle and several household appliances were completely destroyed in the collision.
Fortunately, the ambulance was not carrying any patient at the time, averting a potentially greater tragedy. Preliminary accounts from locals point to driver carelessness as a contributing factor.
Residents of the area have long highlighted the absence of speed breakers along this stretch of NH-57 as a major reason for frequent accidents, which have resulted in regular accidents. They reiterated their long-standing demand for the immediate installation of speed breakers and other safety measures to curb the rising danger on this highway.
