Auto driver, passenger killed as tree crushes vehicle

Balangir: Two persons lost their lives after a massive tree toppled onto a moving autorickshaw due to a sudden gust of wind on the Atgaon-Balangir road on Friday.

The deceased have been identified as the auto driver, Mustafa Mohammad (24), of Tarabha in Subarnapur district, and a passenger, Nadi Nanda (63), from Tandamunda village.

According to police reports, the incident occurred in the afternoon when strong winds triggered by a nor'wester swept through the area. A powerful gust caused a large neem tree to uproot and fall directly on the auto, crushing the vehicle.

Eyewitnesses said the auto was completely flattened under the weight of the tree, trapping both victims inside. Locals rushed to assist but were unable to do so due to the extent of the damage.

"Upon receiving information, police and fire brigade personnel arrived at the scene and extracted the victims from the wreckage. They were immediately taken to hospital, where doctors declared them brought dead," said Anita Padhan, inspector in-charge of Puintala police station.

The bodies of the deceased were sent for post-mortem. Puintala police have registered an accidental death case.