Boy, 15, Survives 230V Shock; Father Warns of 415V Disaster Risk

A 15-year-old boy was rushed to hospital after receiving a violent electric shock while attempting to retrieve a football from a wire fence at a synthetic pitch in Bel-Air-Rivière-Sèche on Friday evening, December 5.

The teenager, who is due to celebrate his 15th birthday this coming Saturday, collapsed after making contact with a metal post on the popular local football ground. His condition is currently judged to be stable.

Investigation and Father’s Suspicions

Police were immediately alerted and attended the scene. The boy was initially taken to the Medi-Clinic in Bel Air before being transferred to Dr SAJ Hospital by the SAMU.

The father, Casimir, who is an electrician, spoke of his suspicions regarding the cause of the incident:

• He added the shock was caused by a damaged or poorly insulated cable connected to the metal post.
• He confirmed his son has started speaking again but is suffering from neck pain, likely from the fall.
• The father revealed the shock was from a monophase 230-volt current, stating:
• “Fortunately, it was a single-phase current, 230 volts. If it had been a three-phase 415 volts, he would have died instantly. My son is very lucky.”

Call for Urgent Closure and Maintenance

Mr. Casimir has called for an urgent intervention and the temporary closure of the pitch, citing a long-standing lack of maintenance and security on the frequently used playing field.

He claimed several cables are damaged and the electrical installations are poorly maintained, with many junction boxes not properly closed.

“The problem has existed for a long time, but no one takes it into consideration,” he stated, insisting on the need to check all cables, electrical boxes, and the pitch itself before children play again.

An inquiry has been launched to determine the exact origin of the electric discharge and establish responsibility for the incident. The young man is currently under close medical observation.

Source: Defi Media