Bhubaneswar, July 29: Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Wednesday expressed profound grief over the tragic death of firefighter Chandan Patnaik, who lost his life while carrying out a flood rescue operation in Keonjhar district.

Taking to social media, the Chief Minister paid tribute to the firefighter's sacrifice, saying, "I am deeply saddened to learn about the untimely demise of Firefighter Chandan Patnaik in an accident while on duty. In this difficult time, I extend my heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family and pray to Lord Shri Jagannath for the eternal peace of his departed soul."

Patnaik was electrocuted while participating in a flood relief operation amid the ongoing heavy rainfall that has affected several parts of Keonjhar district.

The incident occurred near the Government Girls' High School in Keonjhar town, where floodwater had entered a residential house following incessant rain triggered by a low-pressure system. After receiving information about the waterlogging, a team from the Fire and Emergency Services reached the site and began pumping out the accumulated water.

During the operation, a clothesline inside the house premises reportedly became electrically charged due to a fault. Unaware of the live wire, Patnaik accidentally came into contact with it and suffered a severe electric shock, collapsing on the spot.

His fellow firefighters immediately rushed him to the Keonjhar District Headquarters Hospital, but doctors declared him dead on arrival.

Patnaik was helping rescue a flood-affected family trapped by rising water when the fatal accident occurred. His untimely death has sparked grief across the district, with colleagues, officials and local residents mourning the loss of a dedicated emergency responder who made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty.

The incident has once again highlighted the dangers faced by rescue personnel during flood relief operations and underscored the need for stringent electrical safety measures in waterlogged areas during the monsoon. Authorities are expected to investigate the circumstances leading to the tragedy.