Inspector-in-charge of Simulia police station, Debraj Jena said prima facie it appeared to be a case of accident

Published on: Aug 15, 2026, 18:56:06 IST

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A 32-year-old physical education teacher in Odisha’s Royal High School in the Maitapur area of Simulia block in Balasore died after an iron pipe he carried to install a flagpole for Independence Day celebrations, reportedly came in contact with an overhead electricity wire on Saturday, police said.

The deceased identified as Priyabrata Behera was carrying the iron pipe with another school staff, Kiran Jena, around 8am, when it came in contact with an overhead low-tension electricity wire, said police.

Inspector-in-charge of Simulia police station, Debraj Jena said prima facie it appeared to be a case of accident. “However, we would investigate the incident. A case of unnatural death has been lodged in this regard,” he added.

Kiran said the accident happened when both lost balance. “The pole then touched an overhead low tension wire, electrocuting Behera,” he said.

Behera was declared dead on arrival by doctors at a hospital in Bhadrak. Three other students also suffered electric shock and were admitted to Simulia Community Health Centre.

In a separate incident in Nabarangpur district, driver Chandan Behera (26), who worked at the District Audit Office, died after allegedly coming into contact with an 11 kv overhead electricity line while carrying an iron pole for the flag-hoisting ceremony. Chandan suffered an electric shock and fell unconscious before being taken to hospital, where doctors declared him dead.

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