Bhubaneswar, 28 December (H.S.) : A speeding car rammed into a Police Control Room (PCR) patrol vehicle on the Puri–Bhubaneswar National Highway late Saturday night, causing extensive damage to the police van. The incident occurred near the Sata Shankha police outpost bridge while the PCR team was on routine night patrol.

According to police sources, the car struck the PCR vehicle from behind with considerable force, crushing one entire side of the van. At the time of the accident, three police personnel, including a sub-inspector, were inside the PCR vehicle. Fortunately, none of them sustained injuries, though the patrol van was badly damaged.

Preliminary investigation suggests the accident took place around 1.30 am. After colliding with the PCR vehicle, the car reportedly overturned three times before coming to a halt on the road.

Police further stated that all four occupants of the car were allegedly under the influence of alcohol at the time of the mishap. They have been detained for questioning, raising serious concerns over incidents of drunken driving on the busy national highway.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Monalisa Panda