In a heartbreaking incident during the Maha Bishuba Pana Sankranti celebrations in Nuannand village, Tihidi block of Bhadrak district, Odisha, a festive procession turned deadly.
A DJ-equipped Patua Yatra procession came into contact with an 11 kV high-voltage power line near the Mangala temple, resulting in the deaths of two individuals and injuries to more than 14 others.
The victims, identified as Sarat Mahalik from Arasa and Muna Mahalik from Hatuaari, were part of the vibrant procession that had obtained prior permission from the electricity department. Despite assurances of safety measures, the power line near the temple remained live, leading to the catastrophic accident.
Eyewitnesses described a chaotic scene as the DJ equipment, towering above the crowd, entangled with the overhead wires, sending a surge of electricity through the participants.
Local authorities acted swiftly, rushing the injured to Bhadrak District Headquarters Hospital. Medical staff worked tirelessly to stabilize the victims, some of whom sustained severe burns and trauma.
The community, still reeling from the shock, gathered outside the hospital, seeking answers and mourning the loss of their neighbours.
Bhadrak District Collector Dillip Routray, Additional District Magistrate Saroj Dutta, Sub-Collector Saurabh Chakrabarty, and other officials visited the hospital to assess the situation and ensure proper treatment for the injured.
BJP State President Manmohan Samal also arrived to offer condolences and support. Sub-Collector Chakrabarty stated that a thorough investigation has been ordered to determine why the 11 kV line was not disconnected, despite the electricity department reportedly cutting power along the main bazaar route.
Preliminary findings suggest a lapse in coordination or oversight, as the live wire near the temple went unnoticed. Residents expressed outrage, questioning how such a critical safety measure could be overlooked during a major festival. “We trusted the authorities to keep us safe,” said a local, who wished to remain anonymous. “This tragedy could have been prevented.”
As the investigation unfolds, families of the deceased and injured await justice and compensation, while the village grapples with an abrupt end to its festive spirit.
Authorities have promised a detailed report within days, with potential disciplinary actions against those found negligent.
