Dhenkanal: In a saddening incident, three persons lost their lives and two sustained critical injuries after coming in contact with a live 11 kV power line in Dhenkanal district on Sunday.

The deceased have been identified as Milan Mahalik (34) and Laxmidhar Sahu (24) of Bido village, and Sudhakar Sahu (40) of Patala village.

The mishap occurred in Patala village under Balimi police limits while preparations were underway for the traditional Danda Nacha festival. According to reports, a steel bar being used to erect a tent accidentally touched the overhead 11 kV electric wire, leading to a powerful electric shock.

A total of five persons involved in the preparations sustained severe injuries in the incident. They were immediately rushed to the District Headquarters Hospital in Angul for treatment.

However, doctors declared three of them dead on arrival. 

Another injured, identified as Prafulla Tarai and Nirmala Sahu from Patala village, is currently undergoing treatment and is reported to be in critical condition. As per the latest report, the two crtical have been shifted to the SCB Medical College and Hospital, Cuttack.

The incident has cast a pall of gloom over the area, with local authorities expected to initiate an inquiry into the circumstances leading to the tragedy.