Teacher dies, 3 students critical after electrocution during I-Day celebration

Baleshwar: A teacher died and three students sustained grievous injuries after facing electrocution during preparation for Independence Day flag-hoisting ceremony at a private school in the district on Saturday.

The incident took place at Royal High School in Maitapur area under Simulia block of the district. The deceased has been identified as Priyabrata Behera, a physical education teacher in the school. He was reportedly a resident of the Jaleswar area.

Sources said the incident took place in the morning when Behera was carrying an iron pipe to install it as a flagpole for the Independence Day ceremony. The pipe reportedly came into contact with an overhead electricity wire, causing an electric shock.

The teacher sustained critical injuries. He was rushed to a hospital in Bhadrak for treatment. However, doctors reportedly declared him dead on arrival.

Three students, who also suffered serious injuries in the incident, were admitted to a hospital at Simulia for treatment. Further details about their condition are awaited.