Bhanjanagar: A tragic road accident claimed the lives of two youths near Podakhari under Sorada police limits in Odisha’s Ganjam district, where two motorcycles collided head-on this morning. 

The deceased have been identified as Gurudev Pradhan from Gobindpur village and Balia Mallik from Chancharapalli. They had reportedly come to watch a Danda Nacha performance - a folk dance festival celebrated during Chaitra month in Ganjam. 

Three sustain serious injuries

Three others—Gayatri Mallik from Sorada, Pintu Mallik from Bahagapalli, and Jitu Sethi from Lathipada—sustained critical injuries in the crash.

On receiving information, the Sorada Fire Services team rushed to the spot and rescued the injured. All five victims were initially taken to Sorada hospital, where doctors declared two persons dead.

Critically injured shifted to Berhampur

Due to the severity of their condition, the three injured individuals were later shifted to the MKCG Hospital, Berhampur, for advanced treatment.

Sorada police have seized the bodies and initiated an investigation to determine the exact cause of the accident.