Barbil, (Orissa Today) Sept 14 : In a tragic incident, a young man lost his life after falling into a pothole on the Bhadrasahi-Nalda State Highway, which connects Odisha and Jharkhand. The accident occurred in the early hours of Saturday near Bhadrasahi under Barbil police station jurisdiction.
According to reports, the young man, identified as 22-year-old Kshirod Palei, was riding his bike from Serenda to Bhadrasahi when he fell into a pothole near Nelson Hotel. He was rescued and taken to Barbil Community Health Center by the police, where he was declared dead upon examination. Kshirod Palei, a resident of Bhadrasahi village, worked for a private company and was the eldest son of Nityananda Palei. He was a significant financial support for his family, including his younger brother’s education.
The Bhadrasahi-Nalda State Highway 12B is a crucial route connecting Odisha and Jharkhand. Local residents have expressed their concerns over the safety of the highway, particularly near Nelson Hotel, where small potholes have made the road hazardous. Despite temporary repairs by locals, the potholes have reappeared due to heavy vehicle traffic. Residents have criticized the authorities for their negligence, as the highway is frequently used by government officials and the Roads and Building Sub-Division Office at Barbil is located just 4 kilometers from the accident place. The community is demanding immediate repairs to the potholes and financial assistance for the deceased’s family. The incident has cast a pall of gloom over Bhadrasahi village, highlighting the urgent need for road safety measures on this vital interstate highway.
