Govt orders probe on electrocution of student in Kollam, strong action will be taken

KOLLAM: Education Minister V Sivankutty has ordered an investigation into the accidental electrocution of a student of class 8 from the school building. The incident happened at Thevalakkara Boys School. The dead is Midhun (13). The child was taken to Sasthamcotta Taluk Government Hospital but could not save his life.

The minister termed the incident as extremely sad. The director of general education has been directed to probe the incident and submit a report immediately. The minister has also directed the higher education officers of Kollam to make necessary arrangements, the minister said in a press release.

The incident happened at around 8.30 am Thursday morning. While playing with his friends, his slipper fell on top of the cycle shed. He was electrocuted while trying to take it from there. The initial conclusion is that the accident was caused by a high-voltage power line lying low. While trying to take his slipper, he slipped and came in contact with the power line.

The locals said the line was there for a long time. When the new cycle shed was built, the height difference between the line and the shed reduced leading to the tragic incident. The shed was built on the wall of the school building next to the grounds. The electricity line has been pulled over the roof for years, but the shed was built recently. One can reach the shed from the class. Mithun used a bench to go there.

Electricity Minister K Krishnankutty also responded that a detailed investigation will be conducted into the incident. He had ordered the KSEB deputy chief engineer and chief electrical inspector to investigate and file a detailed report in two hours. The minister also said that strong action will be taken against the culprits.

The KSEB executive engineer said there has been an electricity line there for 40 years. Safety precautions were taken to prevent the line from falling down. The shed was built eight years ago. They did not get the permission of the KSEB. The school authorities had closed the windows with wood to prevent anyone from entering the shed. KSEB officials also said that the assistant engineer had pointed the accident two days ago.