Bhubaneswar: As many as two persons were killed and five others sustained severe injuries when a speeding dumper truck ploughed into a group of rescuers at an accident site in Palbani area of Baripada in Mayurbhanj district late Friday night.
According to reports, the sequence of events began when a timber-laden truck lost balance and overturned on the road near Palbani. Upon receiving information, local residents, police personnel, forest department staff, and media representatives rushed to the spot to assist in the rescue operation. While the rescue work was underway, a fast-moving dumper suddenly lost control, climbed over the overturned truck, and rammed directly into the people gathered at the site. The impact was devastating. As a result, two persons died, while several others are in critical condition.
Among the five seriously injured, three are cameramen from news channels. One of the critically injured has been identified as Lalit Barik, cameraman for a vernacular news channel. The identities of the two deceased are yet to be confirmed.
All the injured were initially admitted to PRM Medical College and Hospital in Baripada in serious condition. Due to the critical nature of his injuries, cameraman Lalit Barik was later shifted to Bhubaneswar for advanced treatment.
Meanwhile, police have seized the dumper involved in the incident and have launched an investigation into the matter.
The incident has sent shockwaves through the local media fraternity. Further details regarding the exact cause of the accident and the identities of the deceased are awaited.
