Balasore, Feb 18: At least three persons and 35 cows were killed while several injured when a truck transporting cattle hit an SUV from rear side and overturned on NH 60 in Odisha's Balasore district on Thursday.
The incident occurred near Gandhi Chhak under Basta police station limits in the district.
Three persons reportedly died on the spot while two others sustained severe injuries after the road accident.
On being informed, Basta police and Fire brigades reached the spot and rescued the injured persons and cattle with the help of the locals.
The injured persons were rushed to the Community Health Centre in Basta in a critical condition.
On the other hand, the injured cows were taken to a local veterinary hospital for treatment.
"We suspect that the cattle were being transported to neighbouring West Bengal but it can be confirmed only after investigation," a police officer said.