A Class 5 student of a state-run primary school in Odisha’s Balasore district died after a cement slab fell on him at an under-construction building on the school premises, police said on Friday.

The incident occurred on Thursday at Badas village under Baliapal police station limits. The boy, identified as Prahalad Dhala of Badas Upper Primary School, was playing near the construction site during the midday meal recess when the slab collapsed, a teacher said.

He was first taken to the Baliapal community health centre and later shifted to the Balasore district headquarters hospital, where he died during the night.

Villagers staged a protest near the school on Friday, holding the authorities responsible for the incident and demanding compensation for the family.

Baliapal Block Education Officer Jagabandhu Mallik said an inquiry has been ordered and action will be taken based on its findings.

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