Balasore, Odisha: A teacher died and several students were injured on Saturday after a flagpole being installed at a private school in Maitapur, Balasore, came into contact with a low-tension (LT) electric line, police and local reports said.
Incident and immediate response
The deceased was identified as Priyabrata Behera. According to local accounts, Priyabrata and another school employee were installing the flagpole when it fell and touched an LT line. He was taken to the Bhadrak District Headquarters Hospital where doctors declared him dead, the reports said.
Three to four students were reported injured in the incident and were admitted to Simulia Hospital. Some of the pupils have since been discharged and returned home, the reports added.
"The teacher who passed away and I were installing the flagpole when the incident happened. We could not balance the flagpole, and it fell on the LT electric line, which was at a certain distance. This happened in a very short span of time," said a school employee, according to the report.
Family reaction
The teacher's father, Gyanendra Behera, expressed anguish at the loss. He told reporters that his son was initially reluctant to go to school but was called in. He said the family is poor and relied on Priyabrata's income.
"I did not even get to meet my son. He was unwilling to go to school, but he was called here. I also sent him because we are poor and he needed a source of income. They called my son and killed him," the father said, as reported.
Timeline of events
| Event | Detail |
|---|---|
| Location | Private school, Maitapur, Balasore |
| Activity | Flagpole installation during Independence Day preparations |
| Cause | Flagpole fell and contacted LT electric line |
| Casualty | Priyabrata Behera — declared dead at Bhadrak District Headquarters Hospital |
| Injuries | Three to four students; admitted to Simulia Hospital, some discharged |
Safety, accountability and prevention
Authorities and school management have not released a detailed official statement or investigation findings in the reports. The incident raises questions about checks for overhead power lines near school premises and standard operating procedures followed during public-event preparations.
Practical safety measures typically recommended in such contexts include:
- Surveying the site for overhead electrical lines before erecting tall structures such as flagpoles.
- Maintaining a safe clearance from live conductors and using insulated tools and equipment.
- Ensuring trained personnel or licensed electricians handle installations close to electrical infrastructure.
- Keeping children and untrained bystanders at a safe distance during such work.
Local residents and school communities are advised to follow guidance from the State Electricity Board and district administration on safe practices, and to report hazardous clearances or exposed lines to authorities promptly.
Context and wider concerns
Incidents of accidental contact with live electrical lines during public or private activities — particularly around festivals and national events when temporary structures are common — have prompted calls in several districts for stricter planning and liaison with power authorities. Ensuring safe distances, marked hazard zones and adherence to electrical safety norms can reduce the risk of similar tragedies.
The death of a teacher during patriotic festivities is likely to prompt local enquiries into whether adequate risk assessments and supervision were in place. District officials, school management and the power utility may provide further details as investigations proceed.
Further updates will be reported as authorities release official findings and steps taken to prevent recurrence.
