Odisha teacher dies as iron flagpole touches power line before I-Day celebrations: Cop

A 32-year-old physical education teacher was electrocuted and three students injured during an attempt to fix a flagpole ahead of India's Independence Day celebrations in Odisha’s Balasore district. The incident occurred on Saturday morning at Royal High School in the Maitapur area of Simulia block. According to local police, the teacher, identified as Priyabrata Behera, was carrying an iron pipe with another school staff member, Kiran Jena, when the metal rod came into contact with an overhead low-tension electricity wire. Both individuals lost their balance, causing the pole to touch the live wire and electrocute Behera instantly. He was pronounced dead upon arrival at a hospital in Bhadrak. Three students also sustained injuries from the electric shock and were admitted to the Simulia Community Health Centre for treatment. Police have registered a case of unnatural death and are conducting an investigation into the incident. Inspector-in-charge of the Simulia police station, Debraj Jena, stated that preliminary findings suggest the occurrence was accidental, though further inquiry is ongoing. Kiran Jena, the colleague who accompanied Behera, confirmed that the accident transpired due to a loss of balance, leading to the pole touching the overhead wire. The incident took place just days before August 15, which marks India’s Independence Day. Schools across the country typically organize flag-hoisting ceremonies to commemorate the occasion. In Balasore, preparations had begun for these events, requiring the installation of new flagpoles. The use of metal rods during such installations poses a risk if they come into contact with electrical lines, especially in areas where infrastructure may not be fully insulated or properly maintained. This tragedy is not isolated. In a separate incident within the same timeframe, Chandan Behera, a 26-year-old driver working at the District Audit Office in Nabarangpur district, also died after allegedly coming into contact with an 11 kV overhead electricity line while carrying an iron pole for a flag-hoisting ceremony. Chandan suffered an electric shock, fell unconscious, and later succumbed to his injuries at the hospital. His death highlights the recurring dangers associated with improper handling of metallic objects near electrical infrastructure during public events. Authorities in Odisha have yet to issue specific statements regarding safety measures or protocols that should be followed during such activities. However, the incidents underscore the need for heightened awareness and precautions when dealing with electrical equipment, particularly in regions where overhead wires are common. Local communities and educational institutions are often left to navigate these risks independently, relying on informal guidelines rather than formal regulations. The deaths of Priyabrata Behera and Chandan Behera have drawn attention to the potential hazards faced by individuals engaged in routine tasks involving metal tools near electrical lines. While the exact cause of each incident remains under investigation, the pattern suggests a broader concern about workplace and community safety practices. As the probe continues, officials are expected to review existing safety standards and consider implementing stricter guidelines to prevent similar tragedies in the future.