Paradip: A truck that fell off a bridge into Mahanadi River near Bhutamundai on Paradip-Chandikhole National Highway was traced 40-ft deep water in the water while the driver and the helper still remained untraceable.
The ODRAF and fire fighters, however, failed to recover the vehicle due to the incessant rain. Even as the operation team launched a search operation to find the two missing persons for the second consecutive day, there was no trace of them.
“The vehicle will be recovered after water recedes in the river,” the rescue team said.
Sources said, the mishap occurred when the truck was returning to Chandikhole from Paradip and fell off the bridge after the driver lost control.
Chinmaya Rout, Paradip IIC said the driver was identified as Ajit Mandal from Udayabat.
“We are not yet certain whether the helper was travelling in the truck”, he said, adding that the driver could have been drunk as a result of which he lost control over the vehicle.
A similar incident had occurred February 9 this year when a truck fell down. After three days, the body of the driver was recovered.
Increase in potholes and cracks in the bridge are said to be the main reason behind the frequent accidents. Nearly 2,000 mineral-laden trucks pass over the 50-year-old bridge everyday. Besides, thousands of other vehicles ply on the bridge.
PNN
