Sambalpur: Four individuals were seriously injured when a Ganesh Puja tableau made contact with a low-hanging 11-KV overhead power line during an immersion procession in Odisha’s Sambalpur district.

The incident occurred on Sunday evening in Pujari Pada of Maneswar, within the jurisdiction of the Sadar police station. The procession began around 7:30 PM and, after traveling approximately 200 meters, the iron structure of the decorated tableau being transported on a tractor trolley struck the overhead electricity wire near Harijan Pada, according to police reports.

This contact caused a sudden discharge of sparks, passing high-voltage electricity through the tableau’s frame. Four individuals participating in carrying the idol along the roadside were injured.

The injured individuals have been identified as Manas Ranjan Guru (35) from Gurupali, Jaga Mahanand (38), Ganesh Pujari (45) from Pujaripada, and Dayanidhi Sohala (32).

They were first taken to the Sambalpur District Headquarters Hospital for treatment. Jaga Mahananda, who suffered the most severe injuries, was subsequently transferred to the Veer Surendra Sai Institute of Medical Sciences and Research (VIMSAR) in Burla.

Reports indicate that Mahananda has burns covering about 30 percent of his body, affecting both feet, his left hand, palm, elbow, and abdomen. Pujahari incurred injuries to his thumb, head, and other areas, while Sohela’s injuries involved his knee, head, and leg.

The tractor driver managed to jump from the vehicle and escaped without any injuries. Eyewitnesses noted that Manas Ranjan Guru, a spectator at the event, was pulled along during the incident.

This event has created tension in the local community, with residents expressing frustration over the authorities’ failure to address the issue of low-hanging power lines, despite multiple requests for action. They are urging both the local administration and the power distribution company to take immediate measures to prevent similar accidents in the future.