Bus runs over college girl on function day in Odisha’s Dhenkanal; Students block NH

Dhenkanal: Annual function celebrations of a college turned sour as a bus ran over a girl student of the educational institution killing her on the spot on NH-55 near Dhalapur Chhak under Motanga police limits in Odisha’s Dhenkanal district, today.

The deceased was identified as Ipsita Baral of Belapada village. She was a +2 First Year student of Satyam Shivam Sundaram College in the district.

According to reports, Ipsita was heading towards the college with her friend Shreyashree Mohanty of Kaunriapala village on a scooter to attend the function.

The two fell from the vehicle as it hit a dog on the road. A bus approaching from rear then ran over Ipsita, resulting in her death.

Her friend was rescued and admitted to the District Headquarters Hospital in a critical condition.

Tension ran high at the spot after the road accident as irate locals and students staged road blockade on the NH at Dhalapur Chhak. Many vehicles remained stranded on both sides of the road due to the blockade. Movement of vehicles between Dhenkanal and Angul was also affected.

Police and local Tahasildar reached the place and tried to pacify the locals and students.

They alleged that ash powder used for expansion of road in the area has reduced visibility, which caused the accident. Holding the NHAI authorities responsible for the road mishap, they demanded compensation for the family of the deceased.