Balasore, Aug 27: In a tragic incident, a Class IX student collapsed and died while dancing during Ganesh Puja celebrations at Radha Madhab Jew High School in Podashul village, under Nilagiri block in Odisha’s Balasore district on Wednesday.

The deceased has been identified as Priyanshu Pritam Dasbabu, son of Laxmi Narayan Dasbabu, of Siadimal village under Nilagiri Police station limits.

According to the sources, the 15-year-old student was actively participating in the festivities along with his classmates. Eyewitnesses said, the school had organized a cultural programme to mark the Ganesh Puja, which included music and dance performances. Priyanshu, full of enthusiasm, joined his peers in dancing when he collapsed on the school premises.

Teachers and his father, who was present at the event, immediately rushed him to Nilagiri hospital. However, doctors declared him “brought dead”, attributing the cause to a sudden cardiac arrest.

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The incident has cast a pall of gloom over the school and the entire village. Students, teachers, and community members are mourning the untimely loss of a bright young life. The school authorities have expressed deep sorrow and pledged to support the bereaved family.

Local leaders and education officials have called for increased awareness around student health and emergency preparedness during school events. While Ganesh Puja is typically a time of joy and celebration, this year’s observance turned into a moment of collective grief.