Kendrapara: Five persons were killed while another was critically injured in a tragic accident on NH 5 near Alabanka Chhak in Kendrapara district late last night.
Three deceased persons were identified as Rajesh Jena, Debasish Sethi, and Harekrushna Sahoo while the identity of two others is yet to be ascertained.
According to sources, the youths, who were members of a dance group, were returning in a car to Kendrapara from Panikoili in Jajpur district. Meanwhile, the driver lost control over the wheels and the car rammed into a truck stationed on the roadside.
The collision was so intense that the car got badly mangled crushing five to death. However, one of them survived with critical injuries. On being informed, police and Fire personnel reached the spot and rescued the injured one.
The injured youth was initially rushed to Kendrapara DHH and later shifted to the SCB Medical College and Hospital in Cuttack after his health condition deteriorated.
While the actual cause of the accident is yet to be ascertained, it is suspected that the accident took place due to over speeding, sources in police said.