Rayagada: A devastating road incident occurred in Odisha’s Rayagada district, resulting in the deaths of two individuals and leaving another with critical injuries after their scooter reportedly experienced brake failure near Shephali Hill.

Initial reports indicate that the accident happened as the victims were on their way back from visiting the renowned Rameshwar Shiva shrine on Friday night.

According to sources, the mishap transpired when the brakes of the scooter, which was carrying three people, unexpectedly failed. The driver lost control, leading the vehicle to collide with an electricity pole situated at the base of the hill.

The deceased have been identified as Sasmita Panda, 33, a dance teacher from Gunupur, and Shambhunath Das, 55, a resident of the Rajkanika area in Kendrapada district.

Reports indicate that Sasmita Panda, who worked as a contractual employee at Gunupur Kendriya Vidyalaya and taught dance at the Indian Art and Culture Dance Research Centre, had visited the Rameshwar Shiva shrine the previous night before the accident occurred.

Following the collision, all three individuals on the scooter suffered significant injuries. The Gunupur fire department and an ambulance promptly arrived at the scene and transported the injured to the Gunupur Sub-Divisional Hospital.

Tragically, Shambhunath Das was pronounced dead by medical personnel. Sasmita Panda was subsequently transferred to Paralakhemundi Medical College and Hospital, where she later succumbed to her injuries.

The police have seized the scooter and initiated an investigation into the incident, with preliminary findings indicating that brake failure may have led to the crash.