Schoolboy Killed, Another Injured in Tractor Mishap in Odisha’s Bhadrak

Bhadrak: A pall of grief hangs over Bhadrak district in Odisha after a young school student was tragically killed and another critically injured in a collision with a speeding tractor on Tuesday.

The deceased, identified as Aditya Jena, and injured Kartabya Pramanik, both Class V students of Dhanaghar Project Primary School, were cycling home near Dhanaghar Chhak when the mishap occurred. According to reports, the tractor, returning after unloading paddy, swerved off course and struck the boys standing by the roadside.

Aditya, unfortunately, succumbed to his injuries on the spot. Kartabya, in critical condition, was rushed to Agarpada government hospital before being transferred to Bhadrak district headquarters hospital for advanced care.

The incident ignited tension in the village, leading to angry villagers staging a roadblock on the Bant-Agarpada road. Their demands included suitable compensation for the affected families and stringent action against the tractor driver. Responding to the mishap, the villagers detained the driver and his tractor, subsequently handing him over to the police.

Speculations about the driver possibly being under the influence of alcohol have surfaced, with a relative stating, “After unloading paddy, the tractor was coming at a great speed.”