Archive · 15 Aug 2026
Teacher Dies of Electrocution at Independence Day Ceremony in Odisha
On Saturday, a teacher named Priyabrata Behera was at a private school in Odisha, getting ready for Independence Day.
He and another school worker were putting up a flagpole for a flag-hoisting ceremony.
The flagpole became hard to balance and fell onto an electric wire.
The electricity shocked Behera very badly.
He was rushed to a small health centre and then to a bigger hospital.
Sadly, doctors there said he had passed away.
A few students were also hurt and went to the hospital, but some were able to go home.
The teacher's father is very sad and said his son did not want to go to school that day.
A school worker who saw the accident said it all happened very fast.
It was a tragic accident during the celebration.
Teacher Priyabrata Behera died of electrocution while installing a flagpole for an Independence Day flag-hoisting ceremony at a private school in Maitapur, Balasore district, Odisha.
The flagpole accidentally fell onto a low-tension (LT) overhead power line during installation, according to preliminary reports and a witness.
Behera was taken to Simulia Community Health Centre and later referred to Bhadrak District Headquarters Hospital, where doctors declared him dead.
Three to four students were also injured in the incident and taken to Simulia Hospital, with some reportedly discharged after their condition improved.
Behera's father, Gyanendra Behera, alleged his son was unwilling to go to school but was called there.
- Who
- Priyabrata Behera, a teacher at a private school in Maitapur, Balasore district, Odisha.
- What
- Died of electrocution when a flagpole being installed for Independence Day celebrations touched a low-tension overhead power line.
- When
- On Saturday, during preparations for the Independence Day flag-hoisting ceremony.
- Where
- Maitapur area of Balasore district, Odisha; he was declared dead at Bhadrak District Headquarters Hospital.
- Why
- The flagpole became difficult to balance during installation and fell onto the LT power line, electrocuting him.
Father's Account
Witness Account
Responsibility for the teacher's death
Father's Account
Gyanendra Behera alleged his son was unwilling to go to school but was called there, saying: 'They called my son and killed him.'
Witness Account
A school employee who witnessed the incident said the flagpole became difficult to balance during installation and fell onto the LT power line, with everything happening within seconds.
- Deceased
- Priyabrata Behera, a teacher
- Cause of death
- Electrocution from a low-tension (LT) overhead power line
- Incident
- Flagpole installation for an Independence Day flag-hoisting ceremony
- Location
- Maitapur, Balasore district, Odisha
- First treatment
- Simulia Community Health Centre
- Where declared dead
- Bhadrak District Headquarters Hospital
- Other injuries
- Three to four students injured; some discharged from Simulia Hospital
- Family allegation
- Father Gyanendra Behera said his son was called to school despite being unwilling to go