Narrow escape Electric supply line falls on school van; kindergarten students unharmed

 

 

A major accident was narrowly averted in Gangabai ghat area, when an overhead electric supply line and poles crashed onto a school van carrying a dozen kindergarten students. Fortunately, all students escaped unharmed. According to police, the incident occurred around 10 am as the school van was transporting children through Gangabai ghat locality. Due to reasons yet to be officially confirmed, parts of the electric supply line collapsed onto the road, with a section landing directly on the school van. The power supply was automatically cut off which prevented any untoward incident. Local residents quickly gathered at the scene and took the children away from the van. Both police and MSEDCL personnel responded quickly after receiving the informaiton. Power supply was restored to the area by 2 pm after MSEDCL officials completed necessary repairs and maintenance.

 

Residents in the area have noted that complaints regarding the condition of the electric lines and poles were previously lodged with MSEDCL. Despite assurances from officials, only limited improvements have been made, with two poles reportedly replaced following intervention by a local MLA. MSEDCL officials have attributed the incident to a vehicle collision with a pole, although some residents argue that recent heavy rains may have weakened the soil around the poles which contributed to their collapse. “This could have been a major tragedy if the power supply was not automatically cut off,” commented a local resident who witnessed the incident.