A trailer loaded with iron rods overturned and plunged nearly 30 feet down a ghat section of National Highway-16 near Khalikote in Odisha’s Ganjam district during the early hours of Wednesday, police said.
The accident occurred at around 1:00 am when the trailer, travelling from Visakhapatnam to Kolkata, reportedly lost balance while negotiating a sharp curve along the ghat stretch. The heavy vehicle overturned before plunging down the slope, resulting in extensive damage to the trailer and its cargo.
The driver of the vehicle, identified as Haider Ali (30), a resident of Vaishali district in Bihar, sustained serious injuries, particularly to his waist. He was initially admitted to the Khalikote hospital for emergency treatment. As his condition deteriorated, doctors referred him to MKCG Medical College and Hospital in Berhampur, where he is currently undergoing treatment and is stated to be in critical condition.
Police officials said preliminary investigation suggests the trailer lost control while navigating the sharp bend, leading to the mishap. A police team rushed to the spot after receiving information and launched an investigation into the incident. The transport company responsible for the consignment has also been informed.
Following the accident, vehicular movement on the Khalikote–Bhubaneswar stretch of NH-16 was temporarily disrupted. Traffic was later restored after clearance operations were completed and the damaged vehicle was removed from the site.
Meanwhile, local residents have expressed concern over frequent accidents along the Khalikote ghat section. They attributed the recurring mishaps to sharp curves, poor street lighting, inadequate barricading, and flaws in road design. Residents have urged the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) and district authorities to take immediate corrective measures to improve safety and prevent further accidents on the stretch.
