Balakati: A man died after a Hyva truck hit the bike he was riding pillion on Bhragavi bridge at Balakati on the outskirts of the capital city, Saturday. The deceased’s son, who was riding the bike, had a miraculous escape.
Irate people set the vehicle on fire and did not allow the fire engine to reach the burning vehicle till it was reduced to ashes.
While the identity of the deceased was yet to be ascertained, the bike belongs to Sukant Nayak, it was learnt.
On being informed, Balianta police reached to the spot and sent the body for post-mortem. The driver is absconding.
It was around 11am when the deceased and his son were heading from Balakati to Bhubaneswar on a bike when a Hyva truck hit them while overtaking from behind.
Under the impact of the collision, the man was tossed on to the road with his head and one hand coming under the wheels of the vehicle. He died on the spot.
Seeing his father being crushed to death just in front of his eyes, the youth was found to be speechless. This is the reason why their identities were yet to be known.
Passersby and local people informed the Balianta police immediately after the mishap but they reached the spot half an hour late, stocking the anger of the people. Irate people vented their anger on the vehicle by setting it on fire.
The agitating people did not even allow a fire engine to reach the spot.
Later, zone-IV additional superintendent of police, Balianta IIC Pradeep Rout reached the spot and tried to pacify the mob. But they remained resolute, saying that they would not allow the fire engine to go near the burning vehicle till it was not reduce to ashes and a compensation was declared.
Due to the agitation, traffic was affected for two hours.
The agitation was withdrawn only after the vehicle was gutted.
It is believed that the driver might have jumped into the River Bhargavi to escape the wrath of the people.
PNN