Bhadrak: As many as two persons died and 10 others sustained injuries due to electrocution while watching Patua Yatra at Hatuari village under Tihidi police limits in Bhadrak district late Monday night.
According to sources, a DJ vehicle reportedly came into contact with an 11 kV wire, causing the death of two persons and injuring over 10 others. The tragic incident occurred during a religious procession from Hatuaari to Kantimangala Pitha.
The deceased have been identified as Sarat Mahalik (35) from Arasa village and Manas Mallick from Hatuari village. Though they were rushed to Bhadrak District Headquarters Hospital, both were declared dead.
Upon being informed, the District Collector, Superintendent of Police, and local politicians, including BJP state president Manmohan Samal, Bhadrak MLA Sitansu Mohapatra, and former MLA Rajendra Das, visited the hospital and assessed the situation. They also inquired about the treatment of the injured.
Meanwhile, the district administration has seized the DJ vehicle involved in the incident and ordered an investigation into it.
Meanwhile, three burn victims admitted to Tihidi hospital have been shifted to Bhadrak District Headquarters Hospital. A seriously injured minor girl was referred to SCB Medical College and Hospital in Cuttack as her condition deteriorated.
It is learnt that relatives of the patients caused a commotion, alleging medical negligence at the hospital. However, the situation came under control after the District Collector, Dillip Routray, intervened.
Bhadrak Superintendent of Police Madkar Sandeep Sampat said “Despite clear instructions to refrain from playing the DJ during the procession, the vehicle operators ignored the warning. The vehicle’s height was also a contributing factor to the incident. The DJ vehicle has been seized, and we have launched a manhunt to apprehend the driver.”
District Collector Dilip Routray stated that the DJ truck involved in the tragic incident hadn’t obtained the necessary police permission to play songs during the Yatra. An investigation will be launched. We will talk to the local Inspector-in-Charge (IIC). However, the Superintendent of Police will take the final call. Currently, three burn victims are in critical condition, while the others are stable.”
