Bhubaneswar: A sports teacher died and three students were seriously injured after coming into contact with a high-tension overhead electric wire during preparations for the Independence Day flag hoisting in Simulia block of Balasore district on Friday.
The deceased has been identified as Priyabrat Behera of Jaleswar area. He was working as a sports teacher at a private educational institution in Maitapur area of Simulia.
According to reports, the accident occurred at around 8 am today on the school premises. Preparations were underway for the flag hoisting when Priyabrat was bringing an iron pipe to put on the flag stand. “The iron pipe inadvertently came into contact with an overhead electric wire. As a result, the teacher and three students nearby were seriously injured due to electrocution,” a school source said.
A Class IX student of the school said, “When the incident happened, the teacher and some students were erecting a flag pole. The iron pole lost its balance and came in contact with the electricity wire. There were four to five students with the teacher.
After the accident, locals and school staff rushed the critically injured teacher to Bhadrak District Headquarters Hospital. However, doctors declared him dead on arrival. The three other students who were injured due to electrocution were immediately admitted to Simulia Community Health Centre. Their condition is said to be critical and they are undergoing treatment there.
The school campus has expressed deep grief over the tragic accident. Police have reached the spot and an investigation into the incident is underway.
