Bhubaneswar, 02 January (H.S.): A minor boy lost his life in a road accident at Badadanda in Puri on Friday morning after an SUV (Bolero) rammed into a scooter near Balgandi Chhak, triggering tension in the area.

The deceased, a Class V student, was reportedly riding on the scooter with his grandfather to purchase snacks when the SUV hit the two-wheeler from behind. Both sustained critical injuries in the collision and were immediately rushed to a hospital.

While the boy was taken to the operation theatre for emergency treatment, he succumbed to his injuries. His grandfather and another elderly man were also injured in the incident and are undergoing treatment.

According to preliminary reports, the SUV was allegedly involved in multiple collisions and is said to have also hit a cyclist, though this has not been officially confirmed.

Family members of the deceased have alleged that the SUV driver was driving under the influence of alcohol at the time of the accident.

Eyewitnesses claimed that the Bolero dragged the scooter for some distance after the collision and fled the scene. “An elderly man was also injured, and the vehicle did not stop after the accident. The child was run over,” an eyewitness said.

Following the incident, irate locals gathered at the spot and surrounded the SUV, leading to tension in the area. Police from Kumbharpada police station rushed to the scene, pacified the crowd and restored order.

The police have seized the vehicle involved in the accident and launched an investigation. Further details are awaited as the probe continues.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Monalisa Panda