3 teens electrocuted after flagpole hits power line during procession in Kedah

Three teens were electrocuted after a flag they were carrying for a temple procession in Kedah hit a high-voltage power line.

The incident occurred at about 9pm on Tuesday (Oct 13) during a Nine Emperor Gods procession organised by Mergong Vegetable Temple, which had drawn thousands of participants, according to local Malaysian media.

Malaysian police said they received a report at 9.20pm that three men had been electrocuted while carrying a flag during a procession.

One of the victims later told police that the flagpole he was carrying came into contact with a power line about 10m above the ground, causing him and two others to suffer electric shocks.

A video showing the injured teenagers lying on the road as bystanders rushed to help has gone viral online, reported Malaysian news agency Says.

The video, posted by Shin Min Daily News, shows the crowd assisting the youths with another clip depicting the point of when the flag pole struck the live wire, leading to a huge explosion. 

The two 17-year-olds and one 16-year-old were reportedly taken to Sultanah Bahiyah Hospital (HSB) for emergency treatment, where they are under close medical observation.

Mergong Vegetable Temple Association secretary Chah Boon Chuan told Malaysia's Berita Harian that the procession is usually held on the fourth day of the festival, from 8pm to 11pm.

“The pole used to carry the flag was made of bamboo, and this is the first time such an incident has occurred,” he added.

Chah reportedly said that he was not present during the incident but was quickly alerted by participants from the procession.

@asiaone Two 17-year-olds have regained consciousness, while a 16-year-old remains unconscious with burns over 80 per cent of his body. The three victims suffered severe electric shocks when their Nine Emperor Gods festival flagpole hit a power line in the Malaysian state of Kedah on Tuesday (Oct 13) night. #Malaysia #MalaysiaNews #Accident #Safety ♬ original sound - AsiaOne

2 teens regained consciousness 

Local Assistant Commissioner Syed Basri Syed Ali said that the two 17-year-olds have regained consciousness, reported Bernama.

"Two victims who sustained burns on their faces and hands have regained consciousness but remain under hospital observation," said Basri in a statement on Wednesday.

He added that the 16-year-old victim sustained burns to about 80 per cent of his body and remains unconscious.

Basri said that the local police were alerted to the incident at around 9.20pm. 

According to Basri, two of the victims are students, while the other works at a motorcycle accessories shop.

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