CHENNAI: Two children, aged 9 and 7, were electrocuted in Chennai when they accidentally stepped on a live wire from an electric junction box that was allegedly left unclosed despite complaints from the local residents.
The death of two children, even when the state official machinery is said to be on high alert over the heavy monsoon rains has come as shock. Schools in Kanchipuram and Tiruvallur districts have declared holiday for November 2.
The girls, Bhavna and Maha, were said to be walking on the 4th street at RR Nagar in Kodungaiyur this afternoon when they stepped on a live wire submerged in the stagnated rain waters on the streets.
At least three electricity officials in charge of the locality have been suspended over the incident. The electricity minister P Thangamani said an inquiry has been ordered into this accident and stringent action would be taken against those responsible.
Actor Kamal Haasan, who is also planning to join politics, tweeted that, mere condolences and announcing financial assistance are not sufficient; steps should be taken to prevent the recurrence of such accidents in future.
S Ramadoss of PMK party said in a statement, "The accident has happened a day after municipal administration minister trumpeted that the state government had beat the United States and the United Kingdom in taking better flood management works."