Horrific road accident in Odisha, trailer hits police vehicle hard, 5 jawans die painfully, 3 in critical condition

News India Live, Digital Desk: A heartbreaking news is coming out from Sundergarh district of Odisha. On the morning of Sunday, 22 February 2026, an uncontrolled trailer fatally hit a police patrol van. In this terrible accident, 5 policemen died on the spot, while 3 other soldiers are seriously injured. Considering the critical condition of the injured, preparations are being made to airlift them. How did the accident happen? (The Tragic Incident) According to the information, this accident happened on the National Highway (NH) near Birmitrapur area of Sundergarh. Horrific collision: The police van was on its regular patrolling, when a high-speed 18-wheeler trailer coming from the opposite direction hit it from the front. The vehicle turned into a wreck: The collision was so severe that the police vehicle was blown to pieces and gas cutters were used to rescue the soldiers. Had to use rescue operations. Immediately after the accident, local people and police from the nearby police station reached the spot. Death toll: The local administration has confirmed that 5 soldiers have lost their lives in the accident. Critically injured: 3 injured policemen were admitted to a nearby government hospital, from where they have been referred to Rourkela for better treatment. The Chief Minister and DGP expressed SadnessThe Chief Minister and Director General of Police (DGP) of Odisha have expressed deep condolence over this incident. Compensation announcement: The state government has assured financial assistance to the families of the martyred soldiers and a government job to one of the family members. Investigation ordered: The trailer driver is said to be absconding from the spot. Police have registered a case and CCTV footage of nearby toll plazas is being scrutinized. Questions raised again on road safety. This accident once again exposes the uncontrolled speed of heavy vehicles on the highways and carelessness of the drivers. This area of ​​Sundergarh is often considered an ‘accident prone zone’ due to speeding trucks.