KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato — An 11-year-old boy is currently under medical observation after he was electrocuted while attempting to retrieve a kite that got entangled in a live power line Tuesday afternoon, March 17, in Barangay San Isidro, authorities said.
The incident occurred at around 3:30 p.m. in a rice field area in Purok Pagkakaisa Lot A of the said barangay, where the child, identified only by the alias “Ban-Ban,” was reportedly playing with three other companions.
According to Purok Chairman Hector Palencia, the group of children had been flying kites when Ban-Ban’s kite became caught on a low-hanging electrical wire.
Palencia said the boy attempted to reach the kite, which had become entangled in the live wire. In the process, the child came into contact with the electricity, causing him to be electrocuted.
“The children were playing and flying a kite when it got stuck on a hanging power line. The victim tried to retrieve it, but he was suddenly electrocuted,” Palencia explained.
Residents and local officials immediately rushed to the scene after learning about the incident. When they arrived, they found the child already unconscious.
The victim sustained burns and injuries on his right elbow and hand as a result of the electric shock.
He was immediately brought to the South Cotabato Provincial Hospital for emergency medical treatment. Doctors are continuing to monitor his condition to ensure there are no further complications from the incident.
Local officials are now reminding parents and children to exercise caution when flying kites, especially near electrical posts and power lines, as such activities can pose serious risks.
Authorities also urged the public to avoid attempting to retrieve objects caught in power lines and to immediately report such situations to local power utility personnel to prevent similar accidents in the future.