Malkangiri: An elderly man died after being electrocuted while attempting to rescue a woman who had come into contact with a live 11 kV overhead electric wire at Jaduguda village under the Padmagiri area in Malkangiri district on Monday.
The deceased has been identified as Sombura Madkami. The woman, Jamuna Madkami, survived the incident after receiving treatment at a government hospital.
According to reports, Jamuna Madkami had gone to a nearby forest with others to collect sal seeds. After collecting the forest produce, the group separated, and she continued gathering seeds using a bamboo stick. In the process, the bamboo stick accidentally touched a live 11 kV overhead wire, resulting in a severe electric shock.
Hearing her cries, Sombura Madkami, who was returning home after bathing in a nearby river, rushed to the spot to help. He attempted to remove the bamboo stick from the live wire. However, as his body was wet, he reportedly came into contact with the electric current and was electrocuted on the spot.
Locals immediately shifted Jamuna Madkami, who was critically injured, to the Malkangiri District Headquarters Hospital (DHH). Doctors later confirmed that her condition had stabilised.
Sombura Madkami, however, was declared dead at the scene.
Following the incident, villagers expressed grief and demanded financial assistance for the bereaved family.
