India, July 25 -- Two people were killed and another sustained critical injuries after a scooter reportedly suffered brake failure and crashed into an electric pole while returning from a temple visit in Odisha's Rayagada district on Friday.

The deceased have been identified as Sasmita Panda, a dance teacher from Gunupur town and a President's Award-winning dance guru, and Shambhunath Das, a resident of Rajakanika in Kendrapara district.

According to reports, Sasmita Panda had gone to the Shiva temple at Shephali Hills near Gunupur along with two associates on a scooter. While returning from the temple, the scooter's brakes allegedly failed, causing the vehicle to lose control and collide with an electric pole. All three riders sustain...