Sundargarh: In a tragic mishap, at least seven persons died while four others sustained critical injuries after a passenger vehicle rammed into a stationary trailer in Odisha's Sundargarh district today. The incident took place at around 2.30 am on MCL-Taparia road at Gaikanapali near Bileimunda within Hemgir police limits. 

As per reports, a ten-member kirtan group from Kandadhuda, Samarpinda had gone to Chakabahal in Chhattisgarh for a Shradh ritual in a ten-seater Tata Magic. They were returning after the event when the van hit the trailer parked on the road, from behind. Such was the impact of the collision that six persons including the driver died on the spot. Five others sustained critical injuries and were rushed to Hemgir hospital but one of them succumbed during treatment. 

The idenitities of the deceased are yet to be ascertained. Though the exact reason behind the accident is not established yet, it is suspected that the van driver could not see the trailer due to fog-induced low visibility. 

As the news spread, irate locals staged a road blockade demanding justice for the families of the deceased.