Balasore: Two Deputy Superintendents of Police (DSPs) and their driver sustained serious injuries after a police van collided with the rear of a container truck on National Highway-16 near Nuagaon in Balasore district on Saturday.
The injured have been identified as HRPS DSP Pascal Ekka, Crime DSP Nirupama Mallick, both posted in Baripada in Mayurbhanj district, and driver Badal Pradhan.
According to police sources, the officers were returning to Baripada after completing Muharram bandobast duty in neighbouring Bhadrak district when the accident occurred near Nuagaon Chowk during the afternoon.
Preliminary information suggests that the police van rammed into the rear of a container truck, though the exact cause of the collision is yet to be ascertained. The impact left the official vehicle extensively damaged.
Local residents rushed to the spot and rescued the injured occupants before shifting them to Fakir Mohan Medical College & Hospital, Balasore for treatment. The condition of driver Badal Pradhan is reported to be critical, while the two DSPs also sustained serious injuries.
Personnel from Balasore Industrial Area Police Station reached the accident site and have launched an investigation into the circumstances leading to the mishap.
Meanwhile, the Additional Superintendent of Police and other senior officers from Baripada reached Fakir Mohan Medical College & Hospital to monitor the treatment of the injured and assess the situation. Further details are awaited.
