Four Road Accidents on Republic Day in Korba Leave Two Students Dead, Four Injured

The first fatal accident occurred on Republic Day morning in the Katghora area, when a college student riding a motorcycle was hit by a speeding car while on his way to attend a flag-hoisting programme. The impact was severe, and the student died on the spot. The deceased was identified as Sameer Ratre, a resident of Korbi Singia village and a student of Mukutdhar Pandey College. The car driver fled the scene after the collision. Police reached the spot, shifted the body for post-mortem, and launched a search for the absconding driver.

The second fatal incident was reported from Lakhanpur village, also under Katghora police limits. A 10-year-old schoolgirl was returning home after attending a Republic Day function when she was run over by a Bolero vehicle. She sustained critical injuries and was rushed to a nearby hospital, where doctors declared her dead. The incident triggered anger among local residents, who gathered at the site and demanded action. Police reviewed CCTV footage from nearby areas, in which the Bolero vehicle was captured, and efforts are underway to identify the driver.

In the third accident, a high-speed Thar SUV went out of control on the Katghora–Lakhanpur road and veered off the highway, falling nearly 20 feet into an adjoining agricultural field. The accident occurred near a sharp turn, where the driver reportedly lost control. Two occupants of the vehicle suffered serious injuries and were admitted to hospital for treatment. Their condition is stated to be stable.

The fourth incident involved a collision between two motorcycles in the Katghora police station area. Two youths riding the bikes were injured in the crash and were taken to hospital for medical care.

Police officials said preliminary investigation suggests excessive speed as a common factor in most of the accidents. Separate cases have been registered, and further investigation is ongoing. Authorities have appealed to motorists to exercise caution, particularly during national holidays when traffic movement increases due to public functions and celebrations.