BERHAMPUR: A 56-year-old man was killed after his moped collided head-on with an auto-rickshaw in front of the Adarsh police station in Gajapati’s Paralakhemundi on Sunday.
The deceased is Pitambar Pandi of Kerandi village under Gosani block. His wife, who was travelling with him, survived the accident with minor injuries and is reported to be safe. Police have detained the auto-rickshaw driver for questioning.
As per sources, Pandi and his wife were travelling from their village to Paralakhemundi market to purchase vegetables when the accident occurred. Police said the auto was coming from the opposite end when to avoid hitting a woman on the road, the driver steered the vehicle and collided with Pandi’s moped.
Following the crash, locals rushed the couple to the government hospital in Paralakhemundi where doctors declared Pandi dead. On being informed, Paralakhemundi police reached the site and began investigation. A case was registered and the auto-rickshaw involved in the accident seized.