Kandhamal/Tikabali, Thu:04/01: A heartbreaking road accident today near Dungi under Tikabali police station in Kandhamal district cast a shadow of mourning across the region. A Swift Dzire car collided head-on with a bullet, causing severe fire in both lanes at the spot. Two youths were seriously injured in the accident and are undergoing treatment at Bhubaneswar AIIMS. According to reports, Rajesh Naik (22) and Sipu Naik (19) of Parshuram Naik of Tikabali Thana Bedasuga village, had gone out this morning to bring medicine towards Kulangi in Bhanjnagar block with a bullet (No. OD 12A 3679). But when they reached the dinghy, they collided head-on with a Swift Dzire car (No. OD 011C 8373) traveling from the opposite direction i.e. from Kalinga to Bhanjnagar to Rourkela. The impact was so severe that both Rajesh and Sipu, who were riding on the bullet, were thrown off the road and thrown a long way. Within seconds of the crash, both the car and the bullet burst into flames. Soon the flames became so intense that a plume of smoke could be seen in the distance. Fortunately, the couple in the car managed to get out of the lane before the fire spread, resulting in no loss of life. Locals immediately reached the spot and rescued the two injured brothers and informed the Tikabali Police and Damakal forces. The injured were first shifted to the Tikabali Group Health Center and then to the District Head Hospital with the help of the police while the forces reached the spot and doused the fire. Both Rajesh and Sipu were shifted to Bhubaneswar AIIMS in the evening as their condition was critical. Rajesh’s condition seems to be more alarming. In this regard, Tikabali Police Station Officer Pragya Ritambar Kar said, “After learning about the accident, the police provided immediate assistance.” However, no case has been registered as no written notice has been given by the family till evening. The police have seized the accident-prone duo and are continuing the investigation.