Bhubaneswar: An eight-year-old boy died after he was reportedly swept away in a drain flooded due to heavy rain in Bhubaneswar.

The minor boy was declared dead at the Capital Hospital here following his rescue.

The incident occurred at Unit-3 Masjid area in Bhubaneswar. He was rescued from Badagad area, around 5 km away from the place, where was swept away in the drain.

According to reports, the minor boy slipped into an open drain, which was flooded due to heavy rain, after he came out of the house in search of his balloon.

On receiving information, an ODRAF team launched a search operation to ascertain the missing boy. Later, he was rescued by his family members.

The victim was immediately rushed to the Capital Hospital, where the doctors declared him dead.

Bhubaneswar Central MLA Ananta Narayan Jena, Bhubaneswar MP Aparajita Sarangi and Bhubaneswar Mayor Sulochana Das reached the hospital to inquire about the victim.

"This was a tragic incident. The wall near the drain is under-construction. The boy fell into the drain while trying to get his balloon that was floating in the drain water," said Bhubaneswar Mayor Sulochana Das.

When asked about open drains in the city that pose danger to human lives during rain, she clarified, "It is not possible to fit nets to 11 main drains and sub-drains in all places due to unauthorised constructions and barriers. We are executing the work in only slum areas."

The city experienced thunderstorm in the afternoon amid excessive heat and humid weather conditions. The heavy rainfall created havoc in low-lying areas in the city.