Two Girls Hospitalised After Suffering Electric Shock From Exposed Wire in Navi Mumbai
Two 15-year-old schoolgirls, Shubhangi Nalawade and Ujwala Wagh, were hospitalized after suffering electric shocks from an exposed wire under a bridge in Navi Mumbai. The incident, which occurred while the students were returning from school, has prompted Navi Mumbai Mayor Sujata Patil to demand immediate inspections of underground cabling, with the victims currently recovering at Fortis Hospital in Vashi.
The two teenagers stepped on the exposed wire, which had become live due to a short-circuit under the bridge. Following the incident, the girls were initially rushed to DY Patil Hospital before being shifted to Fortis Hospital in Vashi. Officials confirmed that both students are currently conscious, stable, and under medical observation.
In response to the accident, local authorities turned off the main power switches in the area to eliminate any immediate danger. Mayor Sujata Patil termed the incident "unfortunate" and expressed relief that the students are safe.
Mayor Patil stated that the municipal corporation will seek an explanation from the Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company Limited (MSEDCL) or whichever officials are responsible for the cabling work. She added that instructions will be issued to immediately inspect and rectify any similar connections.
The issue of unsafe underground cabling had also surfaced during discussions in the house. Mayor Patil explained that when laying underground lines, the work must be executed properly. She noted that cables often get severed during excavation work and are subsequently left merely patched with tape. During the monsoon, even if roadwork is otherwise properly executed, the damage caused by digging prevents adequate restoration.
Consequently, heavy rain can cause cables to surface and lead to such accidents. The mayor stated that she plans to raise this issue in the general body meeting. Prior to that, municipal authorities will call a meeting with the MSEDCL or relevant officials to apprise them of the situation and demand immediate remedial action.
An investigation is currently underway to identify the owner of the cable. While municipal CCTV cameras are operational in the area, authorities have claimed that the line does not belong to them. Mayor Patil warned that legal action will be taken against whoever is found responsible for the negligence once ownership of the line is established.
