Nayagarh, Odisha: In a tragic road accident in Odisha's Nayagarh district, three people lost their lives while another sustained critical injuries after a private ambulance carrying a deceased person's body crashed into a culvert. The fatal accident took place on the Khordha-Balangir National Highway in the Shalabhanga forest area under Banigochha police station limits on Sunday evening.

According to preliminary information, the private ambulance was travelling from Bhubaneswar to Deogaon in Balangir district, carrying the body of Ishwar Sahu, a resident of the Deogaon area. The deceased's family was transporting his body back to their native village for the final rites.

The ambulance reportedly had four occupants apart from the body, including the driver, Ishwar Sahu's son Raju Sahu and his two friends, Pratap Bag and Shirsha Bag.

Ambulance Loses Control Near Culvert

The accident occurred when the ambulance was passing through the Shalabhanga forest stretch of the highway. According to the information available, the vehicle reportedly lost control near a culvert and crashed into it, resulting in a devastating impact.

The collision left the occupants trapped inside the damaged vehicle, prompting an emergency response.

Police Rush to Spot, Victims Shifted to Hospital

After receiving information about the accident, personnel from Banigochha police station rushed to the spot. The police rescued the occupants from the damaged ambulance and immediately shifted them to Dashapalla Medical for treatment.

However, doctors at the hospital declared three of them dead.

The deceased have been identified as Pratap Bag, Shirsha Bag and the ambulance driver. The identity of the driver is yet to be established.

Meanwhile, Raju Sahu, son of the deceased Ishwar Sahu, sustained critical injuries and is undergoing treatment.

Investigation Underway

The tragic accident has left the family and local residents shocked, as the ambulance was transporting a dead body to the deceased's native village when the mishap occurred.

Police are looking into the circumstances surrounding the crash. Further details regarding the exact cause of the accident and the identity of the ambulance driver are awaited.

The incident once again highlights the dangers associated with highway travel, particularly on forest stretches and roads passing near culverts.