A major road accident shocked residents of Bhadrak district on Saturday after a private bus collided head-on with a scooter near Kamaria Chowk on the Bhadrak–Chandbali road under Pirhat police limits. The impact was so severe that both riders died on the spot.
Victims Identified
The deceased were identified as Golak Das and Daitari Puhana, both from Balichaturi village under the Tihidi block. The two were travelling on a scooter when a private bus coming from Chandbali reportedly rammed into their vehicle.
Local residents quickly gathered at the scene and immediately informed the police. However, the situation escalated when the bus driver allegedly fled the spot following the collision.
Tension and Road Block for 5 Hours
Enraged by the incident and the driver’s escape, agitated locals blocked the Bhadrak–Chandbali road. Vehicular movement came to a complete halt for nearly five hours, causing long traffic queues and widespread disruption.
Residents demanded strict action against the bus owner and the absconding driver, while also highlighting the increasing rate of accidents on this stretch of road.
Massive Police Deployment
Police teams from Pirhat, Thadi, Bainsafa, and Tihidi stations rushed to the location. Additional Tehsildar of Chandbali, Nibedita Dhal, also reached the spot to assess the situation and initiate negotiations with the protesters.
Pirhat IIC Rojalin Behera confirmed that one platoon of police force had been deployed to maintain order.
She further stated, “Discussion is going on to pacify the agitators. The situation is currently under control.”
Investigation Underway
Police have begun a detailed investigation into the cause of the crash. Efforts are also on to trace the bus driver who fled the scene.
This tragic incident has once again raised concerns about road safety, reckless driving, and the urgent need for stricter enforcement on busy routes like the Bhadrak–Chandbali road.
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