Paralakhemundi: A minor boy was burnt to death while taking a selfie atop a stationary train in Paralakhemundi in Gajapati district. The incident occurred yesterday evening when the 9th standard boy P Suryakiran climbed up a special Covid Isolation train standing some hundred meters away from the Paralakhemundi railway station. The deceased boy came in contact with the live over head wire and died within minutes. The fire was so powerful that the train bogie also caught fire and fire tenders were rushed to the spot to douse. Some other minors were also there with the boy near the train and taking selfies. The railway police has detained three youth in the incident.
According to a statement issued by the Railways, the 13 years old youth was electrocuted while taking selfie, violating safety norms, by climbing atop of an COVID Isolation Coach at Paralakhemundi Railway Station at 1930 hrs. Two of his friends who were on the ground received minor burns. They have been treated. The jute mat that covered the roof of the coach caught fire and the fire was extinguished after fire brigade reached the spot.
19 isolation coaches were stabled on the route number 2. This particular coach was around 100mts away from the station. A JAG committee has been constituted by Division Railway Manager, Waltier, to investigate the incident.