10 dead as mini-truck falls into gorge in Kandhamal

Berhampur: At least 10 people, including seven women, died and around 30 injured when an over-crowded mini-truck they were travelling in plunged into a gorge 30 feet below at Poiguda, under Bramhanigaon police station limits of Kandhamal district, on Tuesday. The number could go up as the injured, mostly women and children, are said to be critical.
“Most of the wounded sustained head injuries and their condition is critical,” said Charan Panda, the superintendent of MKCG Medical College and Hospital where the injured had been admitted.

The incident occurred around 10 am when around 50 people from Suluma and nearby villages climbed into the mini-truck to attend a function in a church at Bramhanigaon, some 12 kilometres away.

Police suspect the driver lost control of the vehicle on the hilly terrain and plunged into the gorge. The deceased have been identified as Jenish Chhatia (50), his wife Pramila (40), Lajara Digal (20), Liva Chhatia (12), Nijarani Parichha (15), Kamala Chhatia (20), Silina Digal (40), Saria Badseth (17), Signdha Badaseth (12) and Kateta Pradhan (45).

“Six persons died on the spot while four others succumbed to their injuries in the hospital,” district collector Brundha. D said.

The driver of the truck fled from the spot and efforts are on to nab him, the police said. “The incident took place about two km ahead of Bramhnaigaon,” said Edi Badaseth, who was in the vehicle. He said there was around 50 people, including women and children, in the mini-truck.

Expressing grief over the incident, chief minister Naveen Patnaik announced Rs 2 lakh ex gratia for the next of kin of each of the deceased.