Simulia: A teacher died and three students sustained serious injuries after they were reportedly electrocuted while preparing for an Independence Day flag-hoisting ceremony at a private educational institution in Odisha’s Baleshwar district on Saturday morning.

The incident occurred at Royal High School in the Maitapur area under Simulia block.

The deceased has been identified as Priyabrata Behera, a physical education teacher at the institution. He was reportedly a resident of the Jaleswar area.

According to preliminary information, the incident took place around 8 am when Behera was carrying an iron pipe to install it as a flagpole for the Independence Day ceremony. The pipe reportedly came into contact with an overhead electricity wire, resulting in an electric shock.

Behera sustained critical injuries and was initially rushed to a hospital in Bhadrak for treatment. However, doctors reportedly declared him dead on arrival.

Three students also suffered serious electric shock injuries in the incident and were admitted to Simulia Medical Centre for treatment.

Further details regarding the condition of the injured students and the circumstances leading to the accident are awaited.