Bhubaneswar, July 17 (UDN): A string of fatal hit-and-run incidents in Bhubaneswar has intensified concerns over road safety in Odisha’s capital, with citizens demanding stricter enforcement against reckless driving, speeding, and drunken driving.
The latest tragedy occurred on National Highway-16 near the Khandagiri Overbridge, where two young men lost their lives after their motorcycle was allegedly hit from behind by a speeding truck late on Tuesday night. The driver reportedly fled the scene, prompting police to launch a search operation.
The victims have been identified as Rashmiranjan Das (30), a resident of Patrapada originally from Kendrapara district, and Biswaranjan Patnaik (27) of Balasore district. According to police, the two were travelling towards Baramunda when the truck struck their motorcycle. The impact threw both riders onto the road before the heavy vehicle allegedly ran over them and escaped.
A police team rushed the victims to Capital Hospital, where doctors declared them dead on arrival. Based on a complaint lodged by the family members, Khandagiri Police have registered a case and initiated an investigation. Officials said efforts are underway to identify the truck and trace the driver using CCTV footage and other evidence.
Series of Fatal Accidents Raises Alarm
The incident is the latest in a series of fatal road accidents that have shaken Bhubaneswar in recent months.
On June 15, three people were killed and several others injured after a speeding car crashed near the Mo Bus Depot at Gadakana. Police later arrested the driver in connection with the case.
Earlier, on May 16, a youth died after being hit by a speeding SUV on Nandankanan Road under Chandrasekharpur police limits. The vehicle was later recovered from an abandoned location.
In another major accident on May 14, two persons lost their lives and five others sustained critical injuries after a car collided head-on with a tipper truck near Bhola Chhak on the Khordha–Chandaka Road.
Growing Demand for Stronger Enforcement
The recurring accidents have sparked fresh debate over road safety, with residents urging authorities to intensify enforcement against overspeeding, rash driving, and drunken driving.
Road safety experts have called for increased deployment of traffic personnel during night hours, installation of additional surveillance cameras, stricter prosecution of offenders, and improved highway patrolling to curb hit-and-run incidents.
Police have appealed to motorists to drive responsibly, follow speed limits, and immediately report any road accident instead of fleeing the scene. Authorities reiterated that hit-and-run offences attract stringent legal action under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and the Motor Vehicles Act.
With traffic volume continuing to rise in the rapidly expanding capital city, citizens hope stronger enforcement and greater public awareness will help reduce road fatalities and make Bhubaneswar’s roads safer for all.