Balasore: A three-year-old girl was killed and five members of her family sustained critical injuries after a speeding SUV rammed into an auto-rickshaw from behind on National Highway-16 in Balasore district, police said on Friday.
The accident occurred near Khantapada market, close to Khusi Hotel, under Khantapada police station limits. According to reports, the family, residents of Basuberhampur village under Chakajagannathpur panchayat, had travelled in an auto-rickshaw for some work when the incident took place.
Eyewitnesses said the SUV approached at high speed and crashed into the rear of the auto-rickshaw, leaving all six occupants seriously injured. The impact completely damaged the auto-rickshaw.
The injured were initially rushed to the Khantapada Community Health Centre in critical condition. However, the three-year-old girl succumbed to her injuries during treatment. As the condition of the other five victims deteriorated, they were later shifted to Balasore Medical College & Hospital for advanced care, where they remain in a serious condition.
Police reached the spot soon after the incident, initiated an investigation, and seized both the SUV—reported to be a Mahindra Thar—and the damaged auto-rickshaw.
The tragic death of the child has cast a pall of gloom over the village, with residents mourning the loss and praying for the recovery of the injured family members.
