Two women, including a journalist, were killed in a tragic road accident after a speeding bus hit a scooter near Mangalpur Chhak under Pipili police station limits on Tuesday.

According to sources, the mishap occurred when the bus rammed into the scooter, leaving both riders critically injured. One of the victims, identified as journalist Sheela Pattnaik, died on the spot due to the impact. The other woman sustained severe injuries and was rushed to a nearby hospital, where she later succumbed during treatment. Her identity is yet to be confirmed.

The incident triggered panic in the area, with local residents rushing to the accident site soon after the crash. Police reached the spot, secured the area, and initiated an investigation to ascertain the circumstances that led to the fatal accident.

Police officials said efforts are underway to determine whether rash or negligent driving was responsible for the crash. They are also working to establish the identity of the second deceased woman and inform her family.

The tragic incident has cast a pall of gloom in the area, particularly among members of the media fraternity, who expressed shock and grief over the untimely death of journalist Sheela Pattnaik.

Meanwhile, questions have been raised over possible road hazards in the area. Locals alleged that sand spilled on the highway may have caused the scooter to skid, contributing to the accident. Trucks overloaded with sand are frequently seen on the Puri–Bhubaneswar National Highway, and residents have demanded strict monitoring and regular clearing of debris from the road to prevent such fatal mishaps in the future.