Tragic Republic Day Incident Claims Life of Class X Student in Odisha
A somber cloud has descended over the Kujang village in Jagatsinghpur district, Odisha, following a heartbreaking incident on Republic Day evening. A Class X student lost his life in a tragic electrocution accident while performing the solemn duty of lowering the national flag.
Details of the Fatal Accident
The victim has been identified as Om Prakash Dwivedi, a 16-year-old resident of Teragaon village in Kendrapada district. Om Prakash was a dedicated student attending a private coaching centre in Kujang village, where he resided at his uncle's house in nearby Samaroha village to focus on his studies.
According to preliminary police investigations, the fatal incident occurred during sunset on Monday when Om Prakash was lowering the national flag from the coaching centre's roof. Tragically, the flagpole made contact with a high-voltage 11 kV live wire that was dangerously positioned on the rooftop, resulting in immediate electrocution.
Immediate Aftermath and Police Response
The news of the young student's untimely death left his parents and relatives in a state of profound grief and inconsolable sorrow. Local authorities swiftly responded to the scene, with police personnel recovering the body and transporting it to the government hospital in Kujang for a mandatory postmortem examination.
Banshidhar Pradhan, the Inspector-in-Charge of Kujang police station, confirmed that a formal case has been registered in connection with the tragic incident. The police investigation is ongoing to determine the exact circumstances that led to this preventable tragedy and whether any safety lapses contributed to the fatal accident.
Community Impact and Safety Concerns
This devastating incident has raised serious questions about electrical safety standards in educational institutions and coaching centres across the region. The juxtaposition of a high-voltage live wire near a location where national ceremonies are conducted highlights potential infrastructure hazards that require immediate attention from authorities.
The Republic Day, which should have been a celebration of national pride and unity, has instead become a day of mourning for the Dwivedi family and the local community. The tragedy serves as a stark reminder of the importance of regular safety audits and proper maintenance of electrical installations in public and educational spaces.
