Cement Truck Crashes in Bolangir, Driver Dead, Helper Critical

Bolangir, Odisha: A tragic road accident occurred near the Sukhtel Bridge on NH‑26 late Saturday night when a cement‑laden 16‑wheeler truck lost control and crashed into the bridge railing.

The impact broke nearly 30 feet of the barrier before the vehicle plunged below.

The driver, Ganesh Nag (32) of Jorumal village under Rajgangpur police limits, died instantly.

His helper, Sameer Khalko, sustained critical injuries and was rescued by police and fire services before being shifted to Bhimabhoi Hospital in Balangir.

Authorities suspect overspeeding as the primary cause of the accident. A detailed investigation is underway to determine the exact circumstances.

The crash has raised concerns about the structural safety of the Sukhtel Bridge and highlighted recurring road safety issues in Odisha.

Local residents gathered at the site, expressing shock and grief over the incident. Police have urged commuters to exercise caution on highways, especially during late‑night travel.