Bhubaneswar: A sports teacher died, and three students were seriously injured after an iron pipe came into contact with a high-tension overhead electricity wire during Independence Day preparations in Balasore district on Friday.
The deceased was identified as Priyabrat Behera from the Jaleswar area. He was working as a sports teacher at a private educational institution in Maitapur under Simulia block.
The accident reportedly occurred around 8 am on the school premises. Behera was carrying an iron pipe to erect a flagpole when it accidentally touched the overhead power line. The teacher and three nearby students suffered electric shocks.
School staff and residents rushed Behera to Bhadrak District Headquarters Hospital. However, doctors declared him dead on arrival.
The injured students were taken to Simulia Community Health Centre for treatment. They were said to be in critical condition.
The incident left the school community in shock during the Independence Day celebrations. Police reached the spot and began an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the accident.