Rajkanika: A 13-year-old Class VIII student died after collapsing in her classroom at Kamala Model Girls’ High School in Ayatan village under Trilokyapur panchayat in Kendrapada district Monday. The student, identified as Biswarupa Behera, daughter of Rabinarayan Behera of Mahadeiadia village, reportedly fell unconscious during the first-period science class.
Teachers rushed her to Rajkanika Community Health Centre (CHC), where doctors declared her dead. According to headmistress Sradhanjali Rout, who was conducting the science lesson, a sound resembling a firecracker explosion was heard in the classroom at around 11:35 am.
When she asked the students whether anyone had brought firecrackers to school, Biswarupa was found picking up a garlic firecracker from beneath a bench. As the teacher approached her to find out what had happened, the girl collapsed. Other staff members were called to assist. They reportedly sprinkled water on her face and fanned her while informing her parents and calling an ambulance.
The girl’s parents arrived at the school and attempted to arrange medical assistance at a medicine shop in the village. The ambulance subsequently arrived and took her to Rajkanika CHC, where she was pronounced dead. Medical officer Dr Archana Mishra said the girl was brought dead to the hospital. The exact cause of death would be established after a post-mortem examination.
The girl’s mother, Sangita Behera, said her daughter had no known medical condition. However, speculation about a possible seizure has emerged, though there is no offi cial confi rmation. Following a complaint by the family, Rajkanika police reached the health centre, took custody of the body and registered an unnatural death case. The body was sent for post-mortem examination.