Sambalpur: At least four persons sustained grievous injuries after a Ganesh Puja tableau came in contact with a low-hanging 11-KV overhead power line during an immersion procession in Odisha’s Sambalpur district.
According to information, the incident took place during the immersion procession at Pujari Pada of Maneswar under the jurisdiction of Sadar police station of Sambalpur on Sunday evening.
The procession started at around 7.30 pm and after travelling nearly 200 metres, the iron frame of the decorated tableau being carried on a tractor trolley came into contact with an 11-KV electricity wire passing over the road near Harijan Pada, police said.
The contact triggered a sudden burst of sparks and caused high-voltage electricity to pass through the entire frame. Four persons who were carrying the idol and walking along the road suffered serious injuries.
The injured have been identified as Manas Ranjan Guru (35) of Gurupali, Jaga Mahanand, 38 Ganesh Pujari (45) of Pujaripada, and Dayanidhi Sohala (32).
The injured persons were initially rushed to the Sambalpur District Headquarters Hospital (DHH) for treatment. Jaga Mahananda, who sustained critical injuries, was later shifted to Veer Surendra Sai Institute of Medical Sciences and Research (VIMSAR), Burla.
According to reports, Mahananda suffered burns over around 30 per cent of his body, with injuries to both feet, his left hand, palm, elbow and abdomen. Pujahari sustained injuries to his thumb, head and other parts of his body, while Sohela suffered injuries to his knee, head and leg.
The tractor driver reportedly jumped from the vehicle and escaped unhurt. Manas Ranjan Guru, who was among the spectators, was reportedly dragged during the incident, according to eyewitnesses.
The incident triggered tension in the area, with local residents alleging that the authorities did not take any step to fix the low-hanging electricity wires despite repeated pleas in this regard.
They have urged the administration and the power distribution company to address the issue immediately to prevent similar accidents in the future.
