Electric Pole Collapse in Kurnool: Boy's Alertness Averts Tragedy Near School
A routine morning walk to school nearly ended in disaster for a young boy in Kurnool's Ashok Nagar locality on Tuesday. The incident occurred when an electric pole suddenly collapsed onto the road, sending live wires crashing dangerously close to the child. Residents described it as a near-certain tragedy that was avoided only through the boy's alertness and quick thinking.
How the Incident Unfolded
The collapse happened in a residential area where the Kurnool Municipal Corporation (KMC) had recently undertaken drainage works. During the excavation process, the base of the electricity pole was reportedly disturbed, leaving it in a dangerously unstable condition. On Tuesday morning, without any prior warning, the weakened structure gave way, snapping live power lines that sprawled across the street.
The boy, who was heading to school at the time, sensed something was wrong and immediately turned back, narrowly avoiding contact with the fallen wires. Local witnesses stated that had the child taken even a few more steps forward, the consequences could have been devastating. The incident created immediate panic among residents and drew sharp public reactions.
Swift Official Response and Safety Measures
The alarming situation prompted swift intervention from industries and food processing minister TG Bharath. Acting on his directions, officials rushed to the spot, cordoned off the area, and took immediate steps to restore safety and prevent further risk to pedestrians. The quick response helped contain the potential danger and reassured the concerned community.
KMC commissioner P Vishwanath confirmed that an inquiry was initiated following a complaint from TRANSCO officials. As a preliminary measure, show-cause notices were issued to two municipal officials for alleged negligence in overseeing the work. Additionally, a police complaint was filed against the contractor involved, seeking registration of a criminal case for violating contractual safety norms.
Broader Safety Concerns Raised
This episode has once again raised serious questions about safety practices during civic infrastructure projects. Both officials and residents emphasized that strict monitoring and proper precautions are essential to ensure that development works do not endanger public lives. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the potential hazards that can arise when safety protocols are compromised during municipal projects.
The community remains shaken by the close call, with many calling for more rigorous safety inspections and better coordination between different departments involved in urban development projects. The incident highlights the need for comprehensive safety audits and regular maintenance checks of existing infrastructure, especially in residential areas frequented by children and pedestrians.
