Pacemaker explodes during cremation in Thiruvananthapuram; one seriously injured

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: One was seriously injured after a pacemaker placed inside a dead body exploded during a final rites ritual held in Thiruvananthapuram. Sundaran, a native of Karichara, was injured when parts of the pacemaker penetrated his leg.

The body of Pallipuram native Vimalayamma, who died on Tuesday, was cremated yesterday afternoon. During the ritual, the pacemaker exploded, and fragments of its parts penetrated the knee of Sundaran, who was standing nearby. Locals rushed him to a private hospital in Kazhakoottam.

Vimalayamma, who had a heart condition, was recently fitted with a pacemaker. Usually, pacemakers are removed from the body at the time of death. The elderly woman died at home. The family says that the hospital authorities were informed of the pacemaker after Vimalayamma's death, but no effective steps were taken.