Keonjhar: In a tragic road accident near Salapada under Ghasipura police limits of Keonjhar district, two college students were killed after being hit by a speeding car on Saturday afternoon.
The incident occurred in front of Kanaka Manjari Women’s College, sparking widespread outrage and a blockade on National Highway 20 as locals demanded compensation and safety measures.
According to reports, the two students—Deepanjali Sahu of Belabahali village and Annapurna Patra of Siapada village—were returning home from college on bicycles when a speeding car hit them and fled the scene. Both sustained critical injuries and were rushed to the Anandapur Sub-Divisional Hospital, where doctors declared them dead.
The impact of the collision was severe, leaving their bicycles mangled on the roadside. Witnesses said the accident took place right in front of the college gate, raising serious concerns about speeding vehicles on the highway stretch that passes through the educational zone.
Following the incident, locals and students blocked NH-20 near Belabahali, demanding ₹15 lakh compensation for each of the victims’ families and stricter enforcement of traffic regulations in the area. Tension prevailed as hundreds gathered, expressing grief and anger over the loss of two young lives.
Police have seized the vehicle suspected to be involved in the accident near a toll gate. Officials said an investigation is underway to determine the driver’s identity and whether he was under the influence of alcohol at the time of the crash.
Locals have urged the administration to construct a dedicated service road for the women’s college and to install speed restrictions on the stretch.
