Bhubaneswar, Aug 25: Tragedy struck at Kelo Square under Bonai police station limits on Monday when a pickup van carrying labourers lost control and rammed into a roadside tree, leaving one dead and more than 30 people injured.

According to reports, the ill-fated vehicle was carrying around 30 to 40 labourers, including women and elderly persons, from Kendrikala and Pandurisila villages. The group was returning after participating in a tree plantation programme organised by the Forest Department at Kelo village. On its way back, the pickup van suddenly lost balance, veered off the road, and overturned after colliding with a tree.

A woman passenger succumbed to her injuries on the spot, while others suffered multiple wounds. Locals and police personnel rushed to the site and shifted the injured to Bonai Hospital. Following preliminary treatment, many of the critically injured were referred to Rourkela Government Hospital for advanced care.

Meanwhile, family members of the victims expressed strong resentment, alleging that Forest Department officials failed to reach the accident spot or extend immediate support, despite the programme being organised under their supervision.

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