Banarpal: Ten people were killed and one critically injured when a Tata Magic van in which they were travelling collided head-on with a truck near Gotamara overbridge on NH-149 here in Angul district Monday.
The deceased included driver of the van and nine persons travelling in it. The driver was identified as Tapan Behera, a native of Gopalpur village under Bantala police limits while the rest of the deceased are yet to be identified, police said.
Six died on the spot while four succumbed to injuries in the district headquarters hospital. One critically injured was shifted to SCB Medical College and Hospital after preliminary treatment.
The incident triggered tension in the area with people refusing to allow police to recover the bodies for post-mortem until the arrival of their family members.
The mishap occurred when the truck carrying coal from Talcher collided with the vehicle coming from opposite direction with 11 persons on board.
Angul superintendent of police Rajesh Pandit rushed to the spot and said identities of the deceased except for the driver are yet to be established.
The driver of the truck, who was beaten up by the mob very badly, was admitted to Angul hospital. He has been detained.
Irate people blocked NH demanding compensation and measures to check such mishaps. They called off the stir after intervention from senior police officials. PNN
