Fatal end for curious boy
It is alleged that the railway lines produce power of up to 3000kW
ONE of the two children who were electrocuted at a railway line in Ntambanana Reserve two weeks ago sadly succumbed to his injuries early last week.
According to the boy who survived the incident, they were debating whether the lines were active or not.
They then proceeded to climb on top of a wagon that was staged at Emakwezini.
One of the boys then touched the overhead lines and was electrocuted; the other boy tried to pull him away and was subsequently also shocked.
The boys, who are believed to around 11 years old, were rushed to Ntambanana Clinic where Joseph Kruger of Mounties Ambulance Service, attended to their injuries before transporting them to Ngwelezana Hospital.
According to Kruger one of the boys was in a critical condition when he arrived at the clinic.
‘When we got to the clinic one boy was critical, he was naked and 60-70% of his body was covered in secondary burns.’
‘We attended to the patients by dressing their burns and inserting a drip to get the necessary fluids into their bodies.
‘We then transported them to Ngwelezana Hospital for further treatment.’
It is alleged that the railway lines produce power of up to 3000kW.
Transnet Freight Rail
According to a statement issued to the ZO by Transnet Freight Rail (TRF) the wagons were standing on a stop block line at Emakwezini and no one from TFR or the Service Provider witnessed the incident.
‘We have a Crime Prevention Teams that are patrolling around the Emakwezini area.
‘They are not stationary as their patrol area covers eight kilometres.
‘We suspect the children climbed on top of wagons and touched the cable, which was not loose.
‘These wagons have been staged at Emakwezini for a very long time.’
Ward Councillor for Emakwezini, XM Bengu has promised support for the family of the deceased.
‘I wish to convey my condolences to the family of the boy who has passed away.
‘I will visit the family an assist them with the funeral.
HAVE YOUR SAY
Like our Facebook page and follow us on Twitter.
For news straight to your phone invite us:
WhatsApp – 072 069 4169
Instagram – zululand_observer
