Keonjhar: A 32-year-old man was killed after the driver of a trailer lost control over the vehicle and rammed it into the backyard of a house at Bankamaruni village, under Sadar police limits, in Keonjhar district Sunday morning.
The deceased was identified as Rajesh Munda, 32, alias Chemuttu, in the village.
Sources said that the incident occurred when Rajesh went to shoo away some stray cattle which were consuming straw from the haystack in his backyard. In the meantime, a trailer heading towards Joda from Keonjhar on NH-20 rolled down the roadside and ploughed into his backyard, knocking him down. Rajesh died on the spot.
On being informed, Sadar police personnel reached the spot and recovered the body. They also seized the vehicle for investigation.
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The incident sparked tension in the area as locals staged a blockade on National Highway-20, demanding compensation to the bereaved family and installation of safety measures. They said Rajesh was the sole breadwinner of his family, comprising his wife and two sons.
The road blockade disrupted traffic as it left hundreds of vehicles stranded on both sides of the highway.
Later, police and administrative officials reached the spot and placated the agitators from withdrawing the blockade, following which the blockade was withdrawn.
ASI Prasad Chandra Khatua said, “The road has been cleared for traffic and an investigation is underway.”
Meanwhile, sources said that the NH-20 and other roads in Keonjhar district have become a death trap. Accidents occur almost on a daily basis, resulting in loss of lives and properties, while many are injured and maimed. As a result, commuting on the highway has become unsafe and the villagers living on the roadside are living in perpetual fear. As hundreds of heavy vehicles ply this route every day to transport minerals, the condition of the road is getting worse day by day. Moreover, rash driving by some vehicles is contributing to accidents almost on a daily basis, sources added.
PNN
