Teen dies eight days after electrocution during temple procession
A 16-year-old boy died eight days after being electrocuted during a Nine Emperor Gods procession in Kedah, Malaysia, on 13 Oct.
Xu Zhikang (name transliterated from Mandarin), who had sustained burns to 80% of his body, succumbed to his injuries at a hospital in Alor Setar at about 1am on Wednesday (21 Oct).
The deceased was a member of the flag and drum team who participated in the procession.
Condition deteriorated before emergency surgery
Alor Setar City Council member Chah Boon Chuan said Mr Xu’s father called him at around 2am to inform him of his son’s death.
According to the father, Xu’s condition deteriorated on Tuesday (20 Oct) afternoon after he developed flu-like symptoms and his body’s resistance weakened.
Source: Kwong Wah
Doctors performed emergency surgery on the teen, but advised the family to prepare for the worst.
Despite efforts to save him, Xu passed away early the following morning.
Three teens electrocuted during procession
The accident occurred at around 9pm on 13 Oct during a procession organised by Mergong Vegetable Temple in Alor Setar.
Xu and two 17-year-olds, who were part of a traditional flag team, were carrying and manoeuvring a large ceremonial flag.
The bamboo flagpole reportedly came into contact with a high-voltage power line, causing all three teenagers to suffer electric shocks.
Source: Kwong Wah
St John Ambulance personnel at the scene provided first aid before the three teens were taken to Sultanah Bahiyah Hospital for treatment.
Malaysian electricity provider Tenaga Nasional Berhad later said preliminary investigation revealed that the flagpole had come too close to a high-voltage transmission line, causing an electrical arc.
Deceased sustained most injuries
Xu sustained burns over approximately 80% of his body while the two other victims suffered burns covering around 20% and 40% of their bodies.
By 16 Oct, the teenager with 20% burns was expected to be discharged if his condition remained stable.
The other 17-year-old remained in hospital to receive treatment for burns on his face, hands, and legs.
Xu had also briefly regained consciousness during his hospital stay, but remained seriously injured and required continued treatment in the burns unit.
Also read: M’sian student dies in school after getting electrocuted at ablution area
M’sian student dies in school after getting electrocuted at ablution area
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Featured image adapted from Kwong Wah.
