Bahanaga: A one-and-a-half-year-old girl died in a tragic road accident on National Highway 16 in Balasore district Friday evening.
The incident occurred near Khantapada market in front of Khusi Hotel, when a speeding car rammed a passenger auto-rickshaw from the rear.
The impact left the toddler, identified as Stuti Mahalika, dead at the scene.
Five others sustained serious injuries in the crash.
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They were initially rushed to Khantapada Community Health Centre and later shifted to Balasore District Headquarters Hospital after their condition worsened.
The injured have been identified as the deceased child’s mother, Ashrita Mahalika; Sumitra Mahalika, Basanti Pradhan, the toddler’s elder sibling, Sruti Mahalika, and auto driver Sapan Kumar Raul.
All are residents of the Chakajagannathpur area under the Bahanaga block.
Police from Khantapada reached the spot, seized the vehicle involved in the accident and launched an investigation.
The driver of the car fled the scene and is currently absconding, police said.
