A tragic road accident in Balasore district claimed the lives of a woman and her young son after heavy iron plates loaded on a truck slipped and crushed them.
The incident occurred on a National Highway near Simulia police station on Friday.
Sudden brake leads to fatal accident
According to reports, the victims were part of a family from Shyamsundarpur village under Nilgiri police limits. The family had travelled to Paradip in search of work and were returning when the accident took place.
Seven family members had taken a lift on a goods truck from Chandikhol and were seated in the open rear portion of the vehicle.
While travelling, the truck driver reportedly applied sudden brakes after encountering a road hump. The abrupt halt caused the stack of iron plates to shift and slide backwards.
Iron plates crush passengers
The heavy plates fell directly onto those seated at the rear, critically injuring the woman and her son on the spot.
Locals rushed to assist and immediately transported the injured to the Simulia Community Health Centre, where doctors declared both dead on arrival.
Family left devastated
The tragic incident has left the family in deep shock, as they had been travelling together in search of livelihood opportunities.
Safety concerns highlighted
The accident has once again raised concerns over the safety of passengers travelling in goods vehicles and the secure loading of heavy materials.
Experts stress the need for stricter enforcement of transport rules and better safety measures to prevent such avoidable tragedies