Lucknow Man Dies After Kite String Slits Throat on Flyover, Second Fatality in 2 Months
A 35-year-old medical representative tragically lost his life after his throat was slit by a kite string while crossing the Haiderganj flyover on his motorcycle on Wednesday evening. The incident has once again highlighted the deadly threat posed by banned kite strings on the busy roads of the city.
Second Fatal Incident in Recent Months
This marks the second fatal incident linked to kite strings reported in Lucknow within the last two months. Earlier, another man had died in a similar kite string accident near Burlington Crossing, underscoring a recurring and dangerous pattern in urban areas.
The deceased in Wednesday's tragic event has been identified as Mohammad Shoaib, a resident of Dubagga. According to his neighbour, Mohammad Sufiyan, Shoaib was returning home from Aishbagh when the incident occurred. As he reached the middle of the Haiderganj flyover, a kite string, allegedly coated with glass, suddenly became entangled around his neck, causing a deep and fatal cut to his throat.
Immediate Response and Medical Efforts
Bystanders at the scene immediately alerted the police and rushed Shoaib to a nearby hospital. From there, he was referred to the KGMU Trauma Centre in a critical condition. Despite extensive medical efforts, he succumbed to his injuries during treatment, leaving his family in profound grief.
Prof Prem Raj Singh, the chief medical superintendent of the KGMU Trauma Centre, provided details on the victim's condition. "The patient was brought in with a critical neck injury and heavy bleeding. He was first taken to another hospital where initial treatment was given, but it was insufficient. He was referred to us in a very serious condition. The exact cause of death will be confirmed after the post-mortem," he stated.
Family Devastated by Sudden Loss
Shoaib worked as a medical representative with a pharmaceutical company and was the sole earning member of his family. He is survived by his wife, two minor daughters aged 2 and 4, and his mother. His father had passed away earlier. Family members expressed that the sudden and tragic loss has left them devastated, with the family now struggling to cope both emotionally and financially in the aftermath of this unforeseen tragedy.
Police Investigation and Public Outrage
Police officials reached the spot soon after receiving information and sent the body for autopsy. An investigation was promptly initiated. "Further action will be taken based on the complaint of the family," said Brijesh Singh, inspector of Khala Bazaar police station.
The incident has sparked significant anger among local residents, who allege that the use of glass-coated and synthetic kite strings continues unchecked despite repeated bans. Residents argue that enforcement remains lax, especially during the kite-flying season, and have demanded strict action against the sale and use of these hazardous strings. They have also urged authorities to focus on flyovers and major roads, where bikers and pedestrians are particularly vulnerable to such dangers.
Similar Incidents and Safety Concerns
Several similar incidents have been reported in recent months, reinforcing concerns raised by citizens and safety experts. For instance:
- On December 9, 2025, Mohit Kumar Shukla (45) narrowly escaped death but suffered a deep cut in veins, resulting in permanent loss of movement in several fingers.
- On February 2, 2025, Shubham Yadav (24) sustained a serious neck injury after being struck by a kite string on Satrikh Road near Chinhat.
Residents claim that many such cases go unreported, particularly in old city areas. Flyovers and bridges have emerged as frequent danger zones, as loose strings often remain suspended at neck height, turning these roads into deadly traps for unsuspecting commuters. This pattern of incidents calls for urgent attention and stricter regulatory measures to prevent further tragedies.
