Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi declared a compensation of Rs 5 lakh each for the families of five police officers who lost their lives in a tragic road accident in Jharsuguda district. The financial aid will be extended from the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund to assist the bereaved families, as per a statement from the Chief Minister’s Office. The fatal accident occurred on National Highway 49 near Katapali, close to Jharsuguda Sadar Police Station, involving a collision between an iron ore-laden trailer truck and a Bolero vehicle carrying the police personnel.
Five officers succumbed to their injuries at the accident site, while three others sustained severe injuries. The injured were initially taken to nearby medical facilities, with two later transferred to a private hospital in Bargarh district and another referred to a medical facility in Burla, Sambalpur, for advanced treatment. The deceased officers have been identified as Kashiram Bhoi (APR), Niranjan Kujur (Drill Sub-Inspector), Debadatta Sa (APR), Lingaraj Dhurua (APR Havildar), and Bhaktabandhu Mirdha (Home Guard).
The police personnel were returning after completing their night duty in the Rengali area when the tragic accident took place. Authorities have detained the truck driver involved in the collision and impounded the vehicle. An investigation has been launched to determine the exact cause of the crash. Chief Minister Majhi, Governor Hari Babu Kambhampati, and Leader of the Opposition Naveen Patnaik expressed their condolences for the loss of the police officers.
Local residents have raised concerns about road safety on the highway, emphasizing the need for its expansion and improved safety measures. They highlighted the heavy daily traffic on the highway and urged authorities to accelerate widening and safety enhancement efforts to prevent future accidents.
