At least 23 people were killed and 37 others were injured in a tragic road mishap in Rayagada. The incident occurred when a tractor carrying them fell into a gorge at Upara Anchalbadi ghat in Kalyansighpur area on Friday evening.

The victims were the residents of Hiranpadu village. They were on their way back from a wedding reception in Seriguma. Sources said that the speeding tractor skidded off the road and its engine got separated from the rear carrier. Around 20 villagers died on the spot and three succumbed to injuries during treatment. While 14 people, who were critically injured, have been shifted to Care Hospital in Vizag, others were admitted to the district headquarters hospital.

Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik expressed deep grief over the incident. He announced that the treatment expenses for the victims will be donpatoe by the CM’s Relief Fund and Odisha State Treatment Fund (OSTF).