Koppal:  In a ghastly incident, five teenaged students residing in a State-run hostel were electrocuted when they came in contact with a live electric wire at Koppal in North-Eastern Karnataka this morning.

All the five students were in their teens studying in different high schools at Koppal town and stayed at a Pre-Matric Hostel run by the Backward Classes Welfare Department.

This morning, one of the boys in the hostel was reportedly asked by the hostel Warden to remove the flag post atop the building which was installed for the Independence Day celebration.

As the boy went about removing the pole, the pole accidentally came in contact with a live wire passing closeby, when he was electrocuted. Four other boys of the hostel who made an attempt to save him too were electrocuted, it is learnt. Koppal Police have registered a case and are investigating.

CM announces Rs. 5 lakh compensation

Meanwhile, Chief Minister B.S. Yediyurappa has announced a compensation of Rs. 5 lakh each to the families of the victims.

Speaking in Bengaluru this morning, Yediyurappa said this was a big tragedy that has taken the life of innocent teenaged students. A thorough probe has been ordered into the incident, he added.

Youth electrocuted

In another incident, a 23-year old youth was electrocuted, while two others suffered shock at Hosakote Koppalu in K.R. Nagar taluk early this morning.

Mahesh (23), of Hosakote Koppalu is the deceased. Mahesh had gone to his tobacco field along with his friends Kumar and Surya, when Mahesh was electrocuted when he switched on the pumpset, while Kumar and Surya, who suffered electric shock, were rushed to K.R. Hospital in Mysuru, it is learnt.

K.R. Nagar Police have registered a case in this regard.