A tragic incident at a residential school in Odisha's Sundargarh district has left the community in mourning and prompted an official inquiry. A Class XI student collapsed and died during a school sports meet, raising serious concerns about student safety during physical events.
Official Inquiry Announced Following Sudden Death
District Welfare Officer Bhagirathi Patel stated on Thursday that he would initiate a formal inquiry into the unfortunate death. The inquiry will proceed once the post-mortem report is received, Patel confirmed. The incident occurred on Wednesday at the Eklavya Model Residential School (EMRS) located in Bhawanipur, Rourkela.
In a mark of respect and grief, the school authorities suspended all classes on Thursday, the day following the tragedy. The remaining events of the annual sports meet were also cancelled immediately after the incident.
Chronology of a Tragedy
The deceased has been identified as Jaydeep Sagar Beck, a 17-year-old student who had enrolled in Class XI at EMRS earlier this year. The sequence of events paints a heartbreaking picture.
On Wednesday, Jaydeep participated in the 200-metre relay race. After successfully completing his first round, he reportedly began feeling uneasy. He stepped off the track, sat down near the field, and collapsed shortly afterwards.
The school nurse promptly administered Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) in a desperate attempt to revive him. As his condition continued to deteriorate, he was rushed on a motorcycle to the Government Medical College and Hospital in Sundargarh. Despite all efforts, doctors at the hospital declared him dead upon arrival.
His parents, teachers, the school principal, the district welfare officer, and the Integrated Tribal Development Agency (ITDA) project administrator all reached the hospital soon after being informed.
Community Mourns and Extends Support
Jaydeep was the only son in his family and is survived by his parents and two younger sisters. His father works as a driver, and his mother is an Accredited Social Health Activist (ASHA) worker.
Following the post-mortem examination, the Sundargarh Town Police handed over the body to the grieving family and registered a case of unnatural death. While the exact medical cause is still awaited, preliminary reports from officials suspect a cardiac arrest.
In a touching display of solidarity, the school staff, students, and Principal Sanghamitra Panigrahi visited Jaydeep's home on Thursday. They offered their heartfelt condolences and presented the family with Rs 50,000 collected from contributions by teachers and staff.
Principal Panigrahi remembered Jaydeep as a bright student and assured the family that the government-mandated compensation of Rs 5 lakh would be processed and provided to them. The entire school community and the district administration now await the findings of the post-mortem report and the subsequent inquiry to understand the precise circumstances that led to this young life being cut short during a school event.
