Though Patnaik, a former Odisha Pradesh Congress Committee President, had a narrow escape, the driver was seriously injured when another vehicle hit the car from behind near Raikia town this evening, Inspector In-Charge of Raikia police station, S K Sahis said.
The driver was admitted to Raikia primary health centre where his condition was stated to be improving, he said.
Both the vehicles were seized by the police and investigation is on, police said.