According to police, the victims—Kaushal Malakar (42), Manohar Nanda (55), Ujeta Dongre (26), Raj Ekka (13), Dev Agariya (13), and Abhay Sarathi (17)—residents of Badgaon village in the Punjipathra police station area, had travelled to Raipur in a Bolero for some work. While returning to Raigarh late Tuesday night, the accident occurred.
At around 9:30 pm, as the vehicle reached near Kodatarai Chowk, it crashed from behind into a trailer parked along the roadside. The impact was so severe that the front portion of the Bolero was completely mangled.
Kaushal Malakar and Manohar Nanda suffered critical head, facial, and multiple bodily injuries and died at the spot. The remaining four occupants sustained serious injuries and were rushed to the Medical College Hospital for treatment.
Upon receiving information, local residents gathered at the accident site and informed the Jutemill police. A police team led by the station in-charge reached the spot immediately, conducted inquest proceedings, and shifted the injured to hospital. The bodies of the deceased were sent for post-mortem. Police said further investigation into the incident is underway.
