Keonjhar: Two youths were killed and another sustained serious injuries after an iron ore-laden truck hit the motorcycle they were riding on National Highway 20 near Dhakotha under Ghasipura police limits in Keonjhar district on Wednesday.
The deceased have been identified as Narayan Tudu (18) and Bhanja Kisku (24), both residents of Marshapal village under Ghasipura police station. The injured youth, Ajay Tudu (18), is undergoing treatment at SCB Medical College and Hospital in Cuttack.
According to sources, the three youths were returning to their village on a single motorcycle when the speeding truck rammed into them near the Dhakotha Telephone Exchange. The impact threw the riders off the bike, leaving Narayan Tudu dead on the spot. Bhanja Kisku, who sustained critical injuries, was rushed to the Anandapur hospital, where he later succumbed during treatment.
Ajay Tudu, who was seriously injured in the accident, was initially admitted to the Anandapur hospital. Due to the severity of his injuries, doctors referred him to SCB Medical College Hospital for advanced treatment.
The truck involved in the accident fled the scene immediately after the incident. Following the mishap, tension prevailed briefly at the accident site as locals gathered and raised concerns over frequent accidents involving heavy vehicles on the highway. The situation was brought under control after Ghasipura police reached the spot and managed the crowd.
Police have registered a case and launched an investigation into the incident. Efforts are underway to trace the absconding truck and its driver.
