Fourteen children, ranging in age from 10 to 16 years old, experienced burn injuries due to an electric shock during a Mahashivratri procession in Kota, Rajasthan, on Friday. Following the incident, all the affected children were promptly admitted to MBS Hospital for medical attention. Among the visitors to the hospital were Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla and Rajasthan Energy Minister Heeralal Nagar, who arrived to support the injured youngsters.
According to reports, the unfortunate incident occurred in the Sakatoura area, falling under the jurisdiction of the Kunhari police station, when the children came into contact with a high-tension power line passing overhead. Notably, two of the children sustained severe burn injuries, accounting for 100% and 50% burns, respectively, while the remaining 12 children sustained injuries of lesser severity, each below the 50% threshold.
The mishap occurred between 11:30 am and 12:00 pm while the procession was progressing through Kalibasti. The catalyst for the incident was reportedly when one of the boys, holding a flag atop a 22-foot-high bamboo stick, inadvertently made contact with the overhead power line. As a result, he suffered extensive injuries, registering 100% burns. In an act of bravery, other boys in the procession attempted to rescue their comrade, resulting in them also sustaining burn injuries.
In response to this unfortunate event, it is imperative to emphasize the importance of ensuring the safety of individuals during such festive processions and taking necessary precautions to prevent such accidents in the future.
