Bargarh: At least two persons were killed and eighteen others were critically injured in a head-on collision between a bike and an SUV at Sambardhara square under Bhatli police limits here Tuesday.
The deceased have been identified as Sukadev Kharsel and Kamal Kumar Sa of Sambardhara village.
The incident occurred when the two-wheeler on which Sukadev and Kamal were riding, collided head-on with the SUV bearing registration No. OD 03 A 0404.
Locals rescued them in a critical condition and rushed them to the hospital, but in vain. Both Sukadev and Kamal died on the way.
The SUV also turned turtle as the driver was not able to control the speeding vehicle. All persons aboard the vehicle were critically injured including the driver.
A case of unnatural death has been registered at Burla police station and the accident case has been registered at Bhatli police station.
While the injured persons were rushed to Bhatli CHC, the cops seized the motorcycle and the SUV from the spot.
Meanwhile, irate locals blocked the road towards Sambardhara and staged a protest.
To pacify the locals, Energy, Labour and ESI Minister Sushant Singh reached the spot and pledged support from CM relief fund. He also asked the Collector to provide relief from the District Red Cross Fund and arrest the driver immediately.
PNN