Union minister of State for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) Pratap Sarangi sustained minor injuries on his nose as the Innova car in which he was travelling collided with a tractor near Podasula Chhak in the Nilagiri area, about 5km away from his residence in Balasore district on Sunday.

Sarangi’s PA and driver also sustained injuries. The minister’s condition is stated to be normal.

Officials said the accident took place around 3pm. Sarangi, who is the sitting MP from Balasore, was going to meet the family members of a person who died near his village.

There was no pilot car accompanying his vehicle. The tractor, which was coming from the opposite direction on the single lane road, hit his car head on when both the drivers tried to cross each other.

The minister was immediately taken to the local hospital and was released after being given first aid.

“Due to the grace of Lord Jagannath and the blessings of my revered mother and good wishes of my people I escaped with minor injuries. I am now fine. My PA, PSO and driver are also fine,” Sarangi tweeted.