Sundargarh: A security guard was killed in a tragic road accident on Saturday evening on the coal corridor road near Aunlabahal, under Lefriparaa police station limits in Odisha’s Sundargarh district.
The incident occurred around 6:30 PM when the deceased, identified as Rajat Patel, was returning to Aunlabahal on his bicycle after completing his work shift. A coal-laden heavy vehicle coming from the opposite direction collided head-on with him, resulting in instant death.
Rajat Patel was originally from Bhojpur but had been residing at his maternal uncle’s house in Aunlabahal while working as a security guard on the coal corridor.
The fatal incident triggered outrage among local villagers, who blocked the road in protest against the increasing number of accidents caused by reckless driving of coal and ash-laden vehicles.
Residents claim that for quite some time, the operation of heavy vehicles on this route has led to frequent minor and major accidents, raising serious concerns about public safety and poor traffic regulation.
As of the time of this report, police have reached the spot and are trying to calm the agitated crowd and restore normalcy.
