A 14-year-old boy with life-threatening burn injuries after he came dangerously close to high-tension power lines at a construction site, reported the Free Press Journal. The tragic accident occurred at a construction site in Punawale, near Pimpri-Chinchwad, on Tuesday morning, reported the Free Press Journal. The victim, Samir Nazir Shaikh, suffered nearly 65 percent burns and remains in critical condition. The incident occurred around 11 am at the ‘Rahul Downtown’ project located in Kailas Nagar. The shocking episode has sparked serious concerns about inadequate safety measures at construction sites in the rapidly developing suburb, where such lapses can pose grave risks to residents, especially children.
Following the incident, police registered a case against the site owner, contractor, and supervisor under Section 125 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, citing negligence. According to officials, a large mound of excavated soil had been dumped directly beneath high-tension electricity wires, violating safety norms. Samir, who was playing cricket nearby with friends, attempted to retrieve a ball that had landed on the heap. As he climbed the mound, he came too close to the live wires and suffered a severe electric shock, resulting in extensive burn injuries.
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Authorities stated that the accident highlights a serious breach of construction safety regulations, which mandate maintaining a safe distance from high-voltage power lines. Experts warn that electricity can arc through the air if a person gets too close, even without direct contact with the wires. The complaint was lodged by Samir’s uncle, currently residing in Punawale. Officials from the Ravet Police Station, operating under the Pimpri-Chinchwad Police Commissionerate, have launched an investigation to determine whether safety guidelines were ignored. Meanwhile, local residents have repeatedly voiced concerns over unsafe construction practices in the rapidly expanding area.