Kendrapara, Dec. 22: The sleepy Deultarapatana village in Rajkanika block of Kendrapara district here slipped into mourning as death of Border Security Force (BSF) personnel Kishore Rout following an air crash in South Delhi spread like wildfire.

Kishore, 36, was the only son of his parents. His father, Balakrushna Rout, also served under the BSF as caretaker of an official guesthouse.

A pall of gloom descended over the village with local residents gathering at the deceased's house to express their solidarity to the bereaved family.

"Villagers are left shocked after hearing the sad news. Everyone was deeply upset. Iswar was loved be everybody here because of his amiable character. Whenever he was taking break from job, he made it a point to visit Deultara and mixed with the residents," said Deultara sarpanch Manoj Barik.

"We were shocked when we got to know that Kishore was no more. He was a sociable person and his family enjoys a good reputation in the area," said Srinibash Pradhan, a zilla parishad member from Rajkanika.

"We feel as if someone from our own family has died. It will take us some time to recover from the shock," said Sukant Dash, another villager.

"My son is dead. No father would want to see his son dying such horrifying death," bemoaned Balakrushna.

Kishore is survived by his widow Pragati, 31, and two sons aged 10 and two.

"His body would be brought to his ancestral village tomorrow. It will be consigned to flames with guard of honours," said Kendrapara collector Debraj Senapati.