Bhubaneswar, 22 February (H.S.): In a tragic accident early Sunday morning, five police personnel lost their lives and three others sustained critical injuries in a head-on collision between a speeding trailer and a Bolero vehicle near the Jharsuguda Sadar Police Station. The incident has sent shockwaves across the district and the state police community.

Preliminary reports indicate that the police vehicle, which was on duty at the time, collided with a fast-moving trailer approaching from the opposite direction. The force of the impact was severe, leaving the Bolero vehicle extensively damaged. Five officers succumbed to their injuries on the spot.

The deceased have been identified as APR personnel Kashiram Bhoi and Debadatta Sa, Drill Sub-Inspector Niranjan Kujur, APR Havildar Lingaraj Dhurua, and Home Guard Bhaktabandhu Mirdha. Their sudden passing has left families, colleagues, and the local community in deep grief.

Three other personnel – two from the APR and one sergeant – sustained serious injuries. They were promptly rescued and admitted to Jharsuguda District Headquarters Hospital, where they are receiving intensive medical care. Hospital authorities have described their condition as critical and are keeping them under close observation.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Monalisa Panda