Bhubaneswar EV Crash Death Toll Rises to Three; Probe Intensifies

Bhubaneswar witnessed a tragic accident as the death toll from Sunday’s electric vehicle (EV) crash climbed to three.

The victims include Jeyrom Ekka, Santosh Behera, and, most recently, Laxmidhar Tapu.

Three others remain in critical condition at AIIMS Bhubaneswar.

The compact EV, reportedly speeding, lost control while travelling from Press Chhak towards MCL Office Road.

It rammed into a parked auto-rickshaw, several motorcycles, and struck pedestrians near a tea stall.

Eyewitnesses described the vehicle as moving at high speed before the collision.

Emergency responders rushed the injured to a private hospital, then Capital Hospital, before transferring them to AIIMS Bhubaneswar.

Two victims were declared dead shortly after arrival, while Tapu succumbed later.

The driver, identified as Anil Gowda of Ganjam district, initially fled but later surrendered to police.

Authorities have registered a case and are investigating the vehicle’s condition, speed, and driver conduct.

Witness statements and forensic evidence are being collected to determine the exact cause.

The incident has reignited concerns over road safety, responsible driving, and pedestrian protection in Bhubaneswar’s busy urban areas.