Kendujhar, July 23 (UDN): A late-night road accident on National Highway-20 in Odisha’s Kendujhar district claimed the lives of three members of a family and left another critically injured after their Thar SUV crashed into a roadside mango tree near Rajia on Wednesday.

According to police and local sources, the family was rushing Trilochan Apat, a resident of Sijukala village, to Champua Hospital after he complained of severe stomach pain.

Trilochan was accompanied by his son Ranjit Apat, wife Kaiful Apat, and uncle Bhaskar Apat in the SUV when the accident occurred at around 10 pm.

Preliminary reports suggest the driver lost control of the vehicle near Rajia, causing the SUV to veer off the highway and slam into a mango tree. The impact was so severe that the front portion of the vehicle was extensively damaged.

Three Succumb to Injuries

Bhaskar Apat died on the spot, while the remaining three occupants sustained critical injuries.

Local residents, assisted by personnel from the Champua Fire Service, rescued the injured from the mangled vehicle and shifted them to Champua Hospital. As their condition deteriorated, doctors referred them to the Kendujhar District Headquarters Hospital for advanced treatment.

However, Trilochan Apat and his wife Kaiful Apat succumbed to their injuries while being shifted to the district hospital.

Their son, Ranjit Apat, is undergoing treatment and remains in critical condition.

Police Begin Investigation

Following the accident, Champua Police reached the spot, recovered the damaged vehicle, and launched an investigation to ascertain the exact cause of the crash.

Officials are examining whether overspeeding, driver error, or any other factor led to the vehicle losing control. Further details are expected after the investigation progresses.

The tragic incident has cast a pall of gloom over Sijukala village, where residents mourned the loss of three members of the same family.