Rayagada: A fierce collision occurred near Ma Majhigariani Temple on the Jhanjabati River Bridge, where a coal-laden truck collided with a pickup van, causing both vehicles to burst into flames.
Fortunately, both drivers escaped unharmed, though the helper of the pickup van sustained minor injuries. The incident reportedly happened when the pickup van, traveling from Atada village to Rayagada, was struck from behind by a 16-wheeler coal truck coming from Andhra Pradesh, near the Jhanjabati bridge close to Majhigariani Temple.
As a result of the impact, both the coal truck and the pickup van were completely burnt. The drivers managed to jump out of the vehicles just in time, avoiding serious injury. The helper of the pickup van, however, suffered minor injuries.
Firefighters and police quickly reached the scene and brought the fire under control. However, due to the accident, Rayagada–Andhra connectivity (NH-21) was temporarily disrupted, and numerous vehicles were stuck on both sides of the road.