Rourkela: A 60-year-old woman along with her daughter was killed while four others including two minors sustained critical injuries after a van in which they were travelling plunged off a 30-ft tall bridge on National Highway-14 here Saturday.
The deceased were identified as Rishi Sahu (60), wife of Etua Sahu of Gopabandhupalli Telipada and her elder daughter Dahadi Dash (42). The critically injured were identified as Dahadi’s husband Jagannath Dash (45), son Rohi Dash (14) and daughter Sarita Dash (12).
Locals rescued the injured in a critical condition and admitted them to Lahunipara primary health centre. They were later shifted to Rourkela government hospital as their condition worsened.
On being alerted, police reached the spot and seized the bodies. The bodies were later handed over to family members after autopsy, police said.
The incident triggered tension amongst the locals who alleged reckless driving to be the reason of the mishap. The driver of the vehicle managed to escape from the spot.
According to sources, the marriage of Etua Sahu’s younger daughter Asha Sahu was to be solemnised June 9, 2016. However, Asha was in a relationship with a youth Babu Dash of the same village and eloped with him.
Family members lodged a missing complaint with the local police in this regard. Later, family members got a phone call from Asha who was in Berhampur with Babu.
On hearing the news of Asha, Etua with his wife Rishi, son-in-law Jagannath Dash, daughter Dahadi Dash, granddaughter Sarita and grandson Rohi left for Berhampur on a van Thursday. They reached Berhampur Friday and met Asha. They tried in vain to convince Asha to return home.
They later decided to return home after Asha refused to go back with them. The accident occurred during their journey home as the van plunged off the bridge after the driver lost control over it, sources said.
Police registered a case and launched an investigation into the matter. The vehicle was seized while the driver was yet to be arrested.