A festive Ganesh visarjan procession turned tragic in Charigaon village under Nikirai police station in Kendrapada district on Wednesday night when one youth died, and five others were seriously injured after receiving electric shocks from an overhead power line.
The deceased has been identified as Nikhil Behera, 21, a resident of Charigaon. The five injured were first admitted to Kendrapada District Headquarters Hospital. Their condition was later described as serious, and they were referred to Kataka for further treatment.
According to preliminary information, the incident occurred while a DJ vehicle was moving as part of the immersion procession. An overhead electric wire sagged or came into contact with the vehicle. Several youths climbed onto the DJ vehicle in an attempt to lift the wire out of the way. At that moment, they received a severe electric shock. Nikhil Behera died at the spot. The others were rushed to the district hospital, where doctors declared Nikhil dead. The injured were subsequently shifted to Kataka.
Police have registered a case and begun an inquiry into the circumstances of the accident.
The incident has once again highlighted the risks of low-hanging or inadequately insulated power lines during festival processions that involve tall vehicles and large crowds.
