According to sources, Sheikh Jahangir of Patrapada left home after a quarrel with his parents late last night. He parked the two-wheeler on the bridge but got stuck on the base of a pillar while intending to jump into the river. Locals spotted him this morning and informed the fire department and police, who rescued him after an hour-long operation.

“He had come here to commit suicide last night. But by God’s grace, he did not die even after jumping from the bridge. Our team reached the spot this morning and rescued him,” a fire fighter from Damapada Fire Department, Purna Chandra Swain, said told the media.

The deceased students have been identified as Soham Nayak, Amyansu Piroi and Abinash Nayak of Harirajpur village in Banki.

According to sources, two students – Soham and Amyansu – died on the spot after being crushed under the wheels of the speeding van around 10 am. The injured Abinash was rushed to Banki sub-divisional hospital and later shifted to SCB Medical College and Hospital in Cuttack in critical condition. However, he succumbed to his injuries during treatment.

The driver fled soon after the accident leaving behind the vehicle. Police have seized the van and started an investigation.

In Kalahandi district, a girl died while two others suffered severe injuries when a speeding truck hit a scooter this morning.