Sambalpur: In a heartbreaking incident, Naveen Dash, a correspondent for Khabar Odisha in Sambalpur, passed away on Monday while undergoing treatment following a tragic road accident.

Originally from Kuluthgram under Dhanupali police limits in Sambalpur district, Naveen was critically injured in a head-on collision on July 19. He and his wife, Nirupama Dash, were returning from a Shaivite shrine in the Jamanakira region when another bike rammed into theirs near Padia Bahal. The impact of the collision caused both husband and wife to be thrown off the bike.

Naveen sustained a severe head injury and a fractured left knee, resulting in heavy bleeding at the scene. His wife also suffered a head injury. Both were immediately rescued and admitted to the VIMSAR hospital in Burla.

Despite doctors’ best efforts, Naveen remained in a critical condition in the ICU for ten days. Unfortunately, he succumbed to his injuries on Monday.

He is survived by his wife Nirupama, who has since recovered and returned home, along with their 11-year-old son and elderly parents. Naveen’s untimely demise has left his family, colleagues, and the local journalistic community in deep mourning.