5 police personnel killed after speeding trailer rams patrol vehicle in Odisha; 3 critical

Five police personnel were killed and three others left critically injured early Sunday after a high-speed trailer crashed into their patrol vehicle in Jharsuguda, officials said. The collision occurred near the Jharsuguda Sadar Police Station at dawn, leaving the police Bolero crushed beyond recognition. 

Authorities said the team was on duty when the trailer, coming from the opposite direction, slammed into the vehicle in a head-on impact that killed five officers instantly.

Victims identified

The deceased were identified as APR personnel Kashiram Bhoi and Debadatta Sa, Drill Sub-Inspector Niranjan Kujur, APR Havildar Lingaraj Dhurua, and Home Guard Bhaktabandhu Mirdha. All were in their 40s. Their deaths have prompted grief across the police force and the local community.

Three other personnel, including two Armed Police Reserve members and a sergeant, suffered severe injuries. They were taken to the Jharsuguda District Headquarters Hospital, where doctors said their condition remains critical and they are under close observation.

Rescue efforts

Senior officers reached the crash site soon after the collision. Fire service teams used hydraulic cutters to dismantle the mangled SUV and pull out those trapped inside. Despite rapid rescue efforts, doctors declared the five deceased personnel dead on arrival.

The extent of the damage to the Bolero underscored the force of the collision, with the cabin entirely crushed.

Driver detained

Police detained the trailer driver for questioning. Gundala Reddy Raghavendra confirmed the arrest and said an inquiry has been initiated to determine what led to the crash.

“The circumstances leading to the accident are under investigation,” he said after inspecting the accident site and visiting the injured personnel at the hospital.