2 Killed, 4 Critical As Tractor Overturns In Dhenkanal

Dhenkanal: As many as two persons were killed and four others critically injured after a tractor they were travelling in overturned in Bhuban in Dhenkanal district on Thursday.

One of the deceased has been identified as Prafulla Kumar Samal.

The critically injured – Umashnakar Rout(14), Satyajit Puhan(15), Jaladhar Swain (65) and Ajay Mohanty(14) — were rushed to Bhuban hospital.

According to sources, six people of Pratappur village under Bhuban police station limits were going on a tractor to a nearby forest to collect branches to be used for the roof cover of a religious programme in the village.

While coming back home, the tractor overturned on NH-53 near Pandapokhari killing two persons on the spot and others critically injured.

The incident triggered tension in the area. Meanwhile, police from the Pratappur outpost seized the tractor and detained the driver.

An investigation into the mishap is underway. A pall of gloom descended on the area following the tragic incident.