Bhubaneswar, Oct 23: A devastating road accident on Thursday claimed the lives of two women and left nine others injured when a pickup van carrying labourers collided head-on with a speeding truck at Kumelbandh, located near the Boudh-Kandhamal border in Odisha.

According to reports, the ill-fated group of labourers was travelling from Kuchinda in Sambalpur district to Balandapada in Kandhamal to work on a road construction project. The collision occurred when a high-speed highway truck crashed into their vehicle, killing two women instantly and leaving several others severely wounded.

Local residents and passersby immediately rushed to rescue the injured and helped shift them to a nearby hospital for urgent medical care. Though most victims are reported to be in stable condition, a few remain under close medical observation.

Following the incident, the Kantamal Police reached the spot, seized both vehicles, and initiated an investigation. The truck driver fled the scene and is currently absconding. Police have launched efforts to track him down and determine whether overspeeding or negligence caused the tragedy.

The fatal mishap has triggered widespread shock and concern among locals, reigniting demands for stricter road safety enforcement in the region.

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