3 labourers killed as bus hits bike on NH-53

Bhubaneswar: Three labourers were killed when a private bus hit their motorcycle from behind on NH-53 near Khairamunda village in Dhenkanal district, triggering a six-hour protest by locals.
The deceased were identified as Sagar Pradhan (24), Sumant Parida (55) and Soumya Ranjan Sahu (19), all residents of Naupalakateni village in Kamakhyanagar. The incident occurred around 9:30 am when the victims were en route to Khairamunda village for work.
According to police, Pradhan died at the spot, while Parida and Sahu succumbed to their injuries during treatment at a nearby govt hospital.
Villagers blocked the Talcher-Duburi road from 10 am to 4:30 pm, demanding strict action against the driver and compensation for the victims' families.
"We have seized the bus, but the driver remains at large," said Priyabrata Das, inspector of Parjang police station. "Each bereaved family has received R. 20,000 from the MLA fund. Additional compensation through Red Cross and insurance will be processed after the investigation and post-mortem reports," he added.
The blockade was lifted in the evening after officials assured immediate support to the victims' families. Police have launched a manhunt for the driver.