Around 10 am, about 50-60 people were on their way to Brahmanigaon village from Suluma area in the district to participate in a church programme when the driver lost control of the mini-truck, which then slipped down the Poiguda Ghat, near Baliguda, in the district. At least eight people, including a woman and a girl, died on the spot. The injured were first taken to the nearby Brahmanigaon government hospital, where the doctors suggested that those with critical injuries be shifted to MKCG Medical College Hospital in Berhampur, the officer said.
A team of doctors from the district headquarters has reached Brahmanigaon to provide emergency treatment, while five ambulance vans have been engaged to shift the seriously injured to MKCG. As of now, police officers, forest personnel, along with local people, are carrying out the rescue operation. Kandhamal Collector Brundha D and Superintendent of Police Prateek Singh have rushed to the spot to take stock of the situation.
Meanwhile, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik announced ex -gratia of Rs 2 lakh for the family members of the eight who dies in the accident. Patnaik also directed the officials to provide free treatment to the injured.
