Bhubaneswar: Three children were killed and three others injured when a pickup van overturned near Marlad village under Titlagarh tehsil in Balangir district on Tuesday.
The deceased have been identified as Rajveer Tandi, Alok Tandi, and Raja Sika. The driver of the pickup van, identified as Vikram Tandi, is currently absconding.
According to reports, a marriage feast was underway at Lesunbahali village. After attending the event, six children along with the driver had gone to the Marlad area in a pickup van to fetch drinking water. While returning, near Marlad bridge, the vehicle reportedly lost control after encountering a motorcycle coming from the opposite direction and overturned.
Three children died on the spot, while the remaining three sustained serious injuries. Locals rushed the injured to the Sub-Divisional Hospital in Titlagarh. After preliminary treatment, all three were referred to Bhima Bhoi Medical College and Hospital in Balangir for advanced care.
Upon being informed, police reached the spot and have initiated an investigation into the incident.
Meanwhile, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi expressed deep sorrow over the incident, condoling the deaths of the children and extending sympathies to the bereaved families. He also announced an ex-gratia of Rs 4 lakh from the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund (CMRF) for the next of kin of each deceased.
