Bhubaneswar: The driver of the coal-laden truck that rammed into a motorcycle and a scooter on the Fire Station Overbridge on NH-16 May 9, killing three persons, has been arrested by Khandagiri police, officials said Monday.
The accused, identified as Sampati Sahoo (40) of Angul district, was arrested in connection with the incident.
According to police, the accident occurred around 7:45 pm May 9.
Siddharth Rath was riding a Honda Shine motorcycle with Shaswata Sundaray as pillion when the speeding truck allegedly rammed the bike from behind in a rash and negligent manner.
Following the impact, both riders fell onto the road, after which the truck allegedly struck a scooter ridden by Barsha Rani Behera.
Sampati allegedly fled the spot without stopping the vehicle before onlookers could catch him.
All three victims died on the spot, while one person sustained critical injuries.
The bodies were later sent to Capital Hospital for autopsy. Police launched a manhunt to trace the absconding driver.
After reviewing CCTV footage and gathering inputs, police arrested Sampati.
The truck involved in the accident, along with the accused’s driving licence and vehicle-related documents, was seized. Police said the mishap occurred due to the accused’s reckless and negligent driving.
