Paradip: A tragic accident occurred in the prohibited area of Paradip Port when a truck loaded with iron ore hit a breakdown IPT tipper truck, resulting in the deaths of two drivers.
The victims have been identified as Ratnakar Swain from Astaranga in Puri and Chandan Jena from Sandhakuda in Jagatsinghpur.
According to reports, Swain and Jena were repairing a breakdown truck by the side of the road when an iron-ore laden truck ran over them in front of the port’s I-10 platform. The driver of the offending truck has fled the scene.
The accident has led to tension in the port’s restricted area, with cargo transport to the platform coming to a complete halt since 3 am. Fellow drivers have staged a dharna in front of gates 1, 2, 3, and 4 of the port, demanding compensation for the families of the deceased.
The impact of the accident was severe, with the cabin of the IPT truck getting detached from the body and the two drivers being crushed underneath. After receiving the news, fellow drivers rushed to the scene and rescued them before shifting them to Biju Memorial Hospital where doctors declared them dead on arrival.
The protest by truck drivers has brought work to a standstill. The protesters demanded adequate compensation for the families of the deceased. The incident has sparked intense tension among the drivers, who are demanding action.
