Ganjam road accident kills three on National Highway 16

A series of collisions on National Highway 16 near the Chamakhandi junction in Odisha's Ganjam district has resulted in three deaths. The accident began when a car and a truck collided, causing both vehicles to lose control and strike several motorcycles and bicycles.

The deceased have been identified as Rosalin Rani Mishra, 42, a district treasury office employee; Laxmidhara Gouda, 45; and Binod Kumar, 40. While Mishra died at the scene, Gouda and Kumar succumbed to their injuries while receiving treatment at MKCG Medical College and Hospital in Berhampur.

Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has expressed condolences and announced an ex-gratia payment of 4 lakh rupees each to the next of kin of the two victims who died in the hospital. Ganjam collector V Keerti Vasan noted that Mishra's family will receive additional government-prescribed assistance due to her status as a government employee.

Local residents briefly blocked the highway to demand improved safety measures, including the construction of an overbridge, increased police presence, and the installation of barricades. CCTV footage of the incident has surfaced and is being used by police to investigate the circumstances of the crash.