A young girl named Sayali lost her life after coming into contact with a live electric utility pole in a Pune suburb. The tragedy has sparked outrage among residents and renewed calls for urgent action to address hazardous public infrastructure and ensure the safety of citizens, especially children.
According to eyewitnesses, Sayali, a 13-year-old resident of the area, was walking home from school on Monday evening when she accidentally touched a metal utility pole on the roadside. Unbeknownst to her, the pole had become electrically charged due to a faulty connection or exposed wiring. The moment she made contact, Sayali received a severe electric shock and collapsed on the spot.
Bystanders rushed to her aid and immediately called for medical help. Despite being taken to a nearby hospital, doctors declared her dead on arrival. The sudden and preventable loss of a young life has left the local community devastated and angry.
Residents allege that they had previously complained to the local municipal authorities and the Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company Limited (MSEDCL) about exposed wires and poorly maintained electric poles in the area. However, no action was taken, and the hazardous conditions persisted.
“This was an accident waiting to happen. We reported the issue several times, but officials ignored our warnings. Now an innocent life has been lost,” said a neighbor, visibly shaken by the tragedy.
In a statement, an MSEDCL spokesperson expressed condolences to Sayali’s family and assured that a thorough investigation would be conducted. “We take this incident very seriously. All utility poles in the area will be inspected and necessary repairs will be carried out immediately to prevent further accidents,” the spokesperson said.
Sayali’s death has triggered widespread outrage on social media and among local residents, who are demanding accountability from civic authorities and the power company. Community members have organized candlelight vigils and protests.
Electrical safety advocates urge city administrations to prioritize routine inspections, invest in modern infrastructure, and establish clear channels for citizens to report hazards.