Gajapati: At least nine persons died and six others sustained critical injuries after a brick-laden truck carrying them overturned at Luhajhar ghat in Odisha's Gajapati district today.

The accident took place this morning while the ill-fated truck was on its way to Paralakhemundi carrying bricks from Anukumbha village. The victims were on-board the vehicle.

The driver of the truck lost control over the wheels at the ghat following which it skidded off the road and turned turtle killing five persons on the spot and leaving others injured.

The injured ones were rescued by police and admitted to the district headquarters hospital. However, four of them succumbed to their injuries while undergoing treatment.

Meanwhile, expressing grief and shock over the mishap, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik announced ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh each for the kin of 9 deceased persons and directed for free treatment of the injured.

CM @Naveen_Odisha condoled deaths of nine people in a road accident in Gajapati district. He announced ex-gratia of ₹2 lakh each for the kin of deceased and free medical treatment for the injured.

— CMO Odisha (@CMO_Odisha) February 13, 2018