Three teenage boys injured by electric shock during temple procession in Kedah, Malaysia

Three teenage boys were injured by electric shock during an annual religious procession in Mergong, Alor Setar, in Malaysia’s northern state of Kedah, on 13 October, after a large flag reportedly came into contact with a high-voltage power line.

The incident occurred at about 8.45pm to 9pm local time, while thousands of participants were taking part in the procession organised by the Mergong Vegetable Temple Association, also known as Tou Mu Kung (默贡斗母宫).

The injured boys, aged 16 and 17, were taken to Sultanah Bahiyah Hospital (HSB) in Alor Setar for emergency treatment.

 According to the association’s secretary, Chah Boon Chuan, all three were receiving treatment in the hospital’s red zone, an area designated for patients requiring urgent medical attention.

How the incident happened

Chah said the incident occurred as participants marched along a main road in Mergong, when strong winds reportedly blew a large flag towards an overhead high-voltage power line.

“The flag was blown by strong winds during light rain before it was suspected of hitting the power line,” he told local media.

One teenager was holding the flag when the incident occurred, while the other two were nearby. All three reportedly suffered electric shocks.

Local media reports said the incident happened in front of the Lotus hypermarket in Mergong. A loud bang and sparks were reportedly seen when the flagpole came into contact with the power line.

The reports also said a hole appeared in the road following the incident. The circumstances surrounding the damage were not independently established in the available accounts.

Emergency assistance

Organisers had arranged for St John Ambulance personnel and ambulances to be present during the procession.

Emergency responders attended to the injured teenagers before two ambulances transported them to hospital.

Videos showing the incident and the injured boys lying on the road subsequently circulated on social media.

Organisers pledge assistance

Chah said the association had not experienced a similar incident during its procession activities before.

He said the flagpole was made of bamboo and suggested that changing weather conditions might have contributed to the accident.

He also said the association would provide the necessary assistance to the injured teenagers and their families.

“Whatever happens, we will take the responsibility required,” he said, adding that the teenagers had participated enthusiastically in the procession.

The association said it would continue to follow up on any further assistance or support needed by the injured boys and their families.