Sambalpur: In a tragic incident, two women were killed while over 30 others including children were left with serious injuries after a mini truck carrying them overturned near Hero Tarsara village under Jujumara police limits in Sambalpur district Saturday evening.
Sources said, the mishap took place while around 40 villagers were on their way from Nuamunda village to see an injured tusker at Nuabarangamal in the mini truck.
Packed with paddy and other food, the villagers were excited to see the pachyderm and feed it. Unfortunately, the vehicle overturned as the driver lost control of the vehicle near Tusarkata Square.
The two women were crushed to death under the vehicle. They have been identified as Subha Mirdha (54) and Jaymati Mirdha (35).
Passers-by informed villagers who rescued the injured persons and admitted them to the district headquarters hospital (DHH). Two of them were shifted to the Burla-based VSS Institute of Medical Sciences and Research (VIMSAR) after preliminary treatment as their condition worsened.
Among the injured are Surya Mirda (60), Krushna Mirda, Rashmita Mirda, Janani Mirda, Padmini Mirda, Premasila Mirda, Sourendri Midra, Naresh Mirda (14), Sumati Mirda (45) and Chamar Mirda (45).
On receipt of information, Jujumara police reached the spot and launched a probe. Meanwhile, the vehicle driver identified as Pintu Sahu was absconding after the mishap.
“Pintu himself had called the villagers to see the tusker. Now, he is absconding after the mishap,” a villager alleged.
It may be noted here that an ailing tusker has been wandering around in a forest near the village. Forest guards are guarding the pachyderm. Excited villagers go with food to see the animal and feed it.