Bhubaneswar, June 16: The death toll in the tragic electric vehicle (EV) accident near New Government Colony, close to Sainik School in Bhubaneswar, has risen to three after another injured victim succumbed to injuries while undergoing treatment at AIIMS Bhubaneswar on Tuesday. The incident has shocked residents and is being described as one of the most serious road accidents involving an EV in the city in recent times.

The latest victim has been identified as Laxmidhar Tapu. Earlier, two others — Jeyrom Ekka, husband of an IAS officer, and Santosh Behera — had lost their lives shortly after the accident on Monday night. Three more injured persons are still undergoing treatment, and their condition remains critical.

According to preliminary reports, the compact electric vehicle was travelling from Press Chhak towards MCL Office Road when the driver allegedly lost control. The vehicle first crashed into a parked auto-rickshaw and several motorcycles before ploughing into a group of people standing near a roadside tea stall.

The collision caused panic in the area as locals rushed to rescue the injured. All six victims were initially taken to a nearby private hospital before being shifted to Capital Hospital and later to AIIMS Bhubaneswar for advanced treatment.

Eyewitnesses claimed the vehicle was moving at a high speed and appeared to be out of control moments before the crash. Following the accident, the driver allegedly fled the spot, triggering public outrage. He was later identified as Anil Gowda of Ganjam district and subsequently surrendered before the police.

Police have registered a case and launched a detailed investigation to determine the exact cause of the accident and whether negligence was involved.

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