Truck crashes into garage in Bolangir, driver injured; 2 shops damaged

A speeding truck rammed into a roadside garage at Gandhinagar Para in Bolangir town in Odisha late on Friday night, leaving one person injured and causing extensive damage to nearby shops.

According to reports, the incident occurred around midnight on National Highway 26 when the truck lost control and veered off the road. Two shops were damaged, while one cow was killed and another critically injured in the incident.

The driver, who sustained injuries in the collision, was rushed to Bhima Bhoi Medical College and Hospital for treatment. Police have launched an investigation into the cause of the accident.

The vehicle narrowly missed hitting a nearby transformer, preventing a possible fire or further damage. The impact damaged the boundary wall of a shop, and part of the truck got stuck in a roadside drain, which limited the extent of destruction to surrounding properties.

Frequent Accidents Raise Concern

This is reportedly not the first such incident in Bolangir town. Locals allege that due to the movement of heavy vehicles through NH 26 and NH 57, accidents are frequently occurring in the area. They blame the lack of strict traffic regulation and slow progress in the construction of the town’s bypass road for the movement of heavy vehicles, resulting in recurring mishaps.

Locals Demand Swift Action

Residents have expressed frustration over the slow pace of the bypass road project, claiming it is forcing heavy trucks to pass through residential areas at night, posing risks to both people and animals. They further alleged that cattle and other stray animals roaming freely on the roads often get hit by vehicles, leading to frequent casualties.

News