Daijiworld Media Network - Kollam

Kollam, Jul 17: A devastating incident unfolded at Thevalakkara Boys School in Kollam on Thursday morning, where a 13-year-old student lost his life after being electrocuted while attempting to retrieve his footwear from the school’s rooftop.

The accident occurred just before classes were set to begin. Students had gathered on the school grounds and were playing when a pair of slippers ended up on the shed roof. Unaware of the danger, Class 8 student Mithun climbed up in an attempt to get them back. Tragically, he slipped and came into contact with an overhead high-voltage power line running above the structure.

Despite immediate efforts to save him, Mithun could not be revived.

The shocking loss has triggered widespread grief and outrage. State Education Minister V. Sivankutty expressed deep sorrow, saying, “This is a sad day as we have lost one of our children.” He announced that a senior official from his department had been tasked with visiting the school and submitting a detailed report, adding that action would be taken against anyone found guilty of negligence. He also emphasized that all state-run schools are required to present a structural fitness certificate before the academic year begins and confirmed that the department would investigate whether this particular school had done so.

Local MLA Kovoor Kunjumon also assured that those responsible would face consequences. State Electricity Minister K. Krishnankutty stated that he had directed the Chief Electrical Inspector to conduct a thorough probe, and punitive measures would follow based on the findings.
Meanwhile, the incident has left the school’s teaching staff in shock and mourning.

However, officials from the Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB) distanced themselves from direct responsibility. Executive Engineer Shaji Thomas stated that the power line had been in place for over 40 years, while the shed below it was built just eight years ago. He also claimed that just two days prior to the accident, the Board had offered to reroute the line and had informed the school about it. According to him, the school authorities said they would consult the management for approval, but no action had yet been taken.

Thomas further asserted that the school bore responsibility for securing open areas through which students could access the rooftop, pointing to lapses in basic safety measures.

As investigations continue and the state reels from the tragedy, questions are being raised about the enforcement of safety protocols in schools and the shared accountability between educational institutions and utility agencies. The incident has underscored the urgent need for proactive safety audits and clear communication between departments to prevent such preventable tragedies in the future.