Bhubaneswar: At least 18 labourers, including 17 women, were killed when a pick-up van fell off a ghat road in Kabirdham district of neigbouring Chhattisgarh today.
Four persons also sustained critical injuries in the mishap. All the deceased were the members of Baiga community.
The incident took place when the labourers were returning home in the pick-up van after collecting Kendu leaves from the nearby forest.
The van fell off Bahapani ghat road under Kukdoor police limits around the noon. The vehicle fell at least 20 feet below the ghat road and crashed on the ground.
At least 18 labourers died on the spot while four others sustained critical injuries in the mishap.