Bhubaneswar, Jan 23 (NationPress) In a devastating road accident, one individual lost their life while two others suffered serious injuries in the Panikoili region of Jajpur district, Odisha, on Thursday.

The victim has been identified as Pramod Behera, a resident of Jajpur town. According to locals, Behera and the two injured individuals were traveling towards Jajpur town on their motorcycle when they lost control and collided with a sand-laden Hyva coming from the opposite direction at Sathipur, within the jurisdiction of Panikoili police.

Tragically, Behera passed away at the scene, while the other two were promptly transported to the SCB Medical College and Hospital in Cuttack for advanced medical care.

In response to the incident, furious locals blocked the road, demanding the establishment of speed regulators and improved lighting in the area. They lifted the blockade after receiving assurances from the police and district officials.

In a separate incident in Bhubaneswar city, five individuals, including four passengers, were injured in a series of collisions involving an EV Bus, a Midi Bus operated by the Capital Region Urban Transport (CRUT), and a car at Ashok Nagar, under the Capital Police station.

The series of accidents commenced when a scooter rider unexpectedly swerved in front of the EV bus, prompting the driver to slam on the brakes. This caused the Midi Bus to crash into the rear of the EV bus, resulting in a following car colliding with the Midi Bus. The CRUT, a public transport agency under the Odisha Housing and Urban Development Department, provided this information.

The Midi Bus driver has been suspended by CRUT officials for failing to maintain a safe distance from the EV bus.

“The Capital Region Urban Transport expresses deep regret over this unfortunate incident and is dedicated to ensuring the safety of all passengers. We will continue to enhance training to prevent similar occurrences in the future,” stated CRUT.