Jharsuguda: In a heart-breaking incident, five police personnel lost their lives in a devastating head-on collision in front of the Jharsuguda Sadar Police Station in the early hours of Sunday.
The tragedy occurred when a speeding truck collided with a Bolero PCR van carrying the police personnel. The impact was so severe that the police vehicle was completely mangled and destroyed.
The accident took place in the wee hours, reportedly due to the reckless driving of the truck coming from the opposite direction. Locals and fellow police personnel rushed to the spot upon hearing the crash. Rescue efforts recovered the bodies from the wreckage, confirming five fatalities on the spot. Two other personnel sustained critical injuries and were immediately rushed to the District Headquarters Hospital, where they are currently battling for their lives.
“A severe accident occurred today on National Highway 49 in front of the Jharsuguda Sadar Police Station, in which five policemen who were returning to duty after attending a marriage party lost their lives. The families of the five deceased policemen were devastated after losing their breadwinners in the mishap,” a local resident
The deceased were identified as Home Guard Bhakta Mirdha, Constables Kashiram Bhoi, Devdatt Saha, Havildar Lingaraj Dhurua, and DSI Niranjan Kujur. “A case has been registered, and further investigation is underway,” Jharsuguda Additional Superintendent of Police Madhusikta Mishra said.
The truck turned to its side after the collision, and the police vehicle was completely damaged in the accident, she added.
The injured persons are in a critical condition. The truck driver, who also sustained injuries, is under treatment..
Sadar police have launched an investigation into the cause, with preliminary reports pointing to over-speeding and possible negligence by the truck driver.
