KOLLAM: Major lapses by authorities have claimed the life of a 13-year-old student at a school in Kollam.
Midhun, a class 8 student of Thevalakkara Boys High School, was electrocuted after he came in contact with a low-hanging electric wire when he climbed the roof of a cycle shed adjacent to the school building to retrieve a piece of footwear on Thursday morning.
According to eyewitnesses, Midhun slipped and, in a reflex action, grabbed the three-phase wire to stop himself from falling off the roof.
Though he was rushed to Sasthamcotta Taluk Hospital, he could not be saved. The incident triggered widespread protests with opposition parties and student outfits taking out protest marches, demanding urgent action against the KSEB and the management of the aided school.
As per initial findings, the temporary shed was constructed without maintaining an adequate distance from the overhanging wire. The UDF and BJP attacked the government for its failure to ensure the safety of students.
The education and power departments have announced high-level investigations into the incident.
Electricity Minister K Krishnankutty said preliminary findings pointed at lapses on the part of the school management and electricity board.
As per the electrical inspectorate’s findings, adequate distance was not maintained between the power line and the ground. Similarly sufficient distance was not maintained between the line and the cycle shed. The chief safety commissioner will probe the incident, said the minister.
Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said the government will take necessary steps to ensure that such incidents are not repeated in future.
Child, human rights panels take suo motu cases
Education Minister V Sivankutty said a preliminary probe by the Director of General Education has pointed at lapses on the part of the school.
Investigation teams will now examine whether the school possessed the required fitness certificates. Sivankutty stated that these certificates are issued only after inspections by various departments, including the KSEB. “What else is the responsibility of a high school principal and HM if not this?” the minister said, adding that the department will also investigate other schools for similar lapses.
He noted that a special checklist containing over 100 safety points has been issued to all schools. One of the key directives is that no electric lines should pass over school premises, he added.
The assistant educational officer has confirmed that the school will remain closed on Friday following the death of Midhun. Meanwhile, the KSEB announced an immediate financial assistance of `5 lakh to Midhun’s family, the education department said a house will be constructed for the family, under the leadership of Scouts and Guides. Midhun’s last rites will be performed only after his mother, who is currently in Turkiye, returns on Saturday. The Sasthamcotta police have registered a case for unnatural death. Kollam Rural SP said evidence collection is under way. The State Human Rights Commission and the Child Rights Commission have initiated suo motu cases.