Balasore: A youth lost his life and another sustained critical injuries after being hit by a vehicle while allegedly chasing a cattle-laden truck near Barikpur on National Highway-16 under Soro police limits in Odisha's Balasore district late last night.

According to reports, a group of youths had received information about illegal cattle transportation and attempted to intercept the vehicle. Two youths, identified as Kripasindhu Behera and Lambodhar Mahapatra from the Panchalingeswar area, chased the truck on a motorcycle as it sped along the highway.

During the pursuit, another vehicle reportedly escorting the cattle-laden truck rammed into their motorcycle and fled the scene. Police later managed to seize the vehicle.

Locals rescued the injured youths and rushed them to Soro Hospital, where doctors declared Kripasindhu dead. Lambodhar, who suffered critical injuries, was initially shifted to Balasore District Headquarters Hospital and later referred to SCB Medical College and Hospital in Cuttack for better treatment.

Police have launched an investigation into the incident.