A young boy from Brazil died due to a kite. According to a report, the 11-year-old tried to retrieve the kite that got stuck in an electrical wiring.
Young Boy From Brazil Electrocuted
Vítor Gabriel was flying a kite in the Brazilian state of Rio de Janeiro's Campos dos Goytacazes on Monday. The kite, however, became tangled in some electrical wiring.
He used a metal bar to scale the top of a house to retrieve the kite, but as he was doing so, he suffered from an electric shock, according to Brazilian news outlet g1 (via Newsweek). Vitor's family members hurried to help and transported him to a nearby hospital for treatment. Unfortunately, he didn't survive and passed away at 4: 39 p.m. in a pediatric emergency room at the Hospital Ferreira Machado.
It wasn't the first case of electrocution reported this year. In April 2023, two suspected burglars were electrocuted to death while allegedly attempting to steal from a power substation.
When a transformer fire started at the location in Gainesville, which is about 55 miles northeast of Atlanta, the duo's bodies were found.
Emergency personnel discovered the two guys dead when they arrived at the substation to extinguish the fire. According to authorities, just before they were electrocuted, the two men tried to break into a gated area to steal from the location.
Lieutenant Kevin Holbrook of the Gainesville Police Department told Newsweek they believed the deceased attempted to steal the substation's copper wiring and other electrical components.
How to Avoid Electrocution at Home
WikiHow shared some tips to keep families safe from electric shock at home. The outlet noted that learning the basic terms of electricity is important and understanding how it works.
For instance, one should know that glass and wood are poor conductors of electricity. Many metals and other materials, such as salt water, conduct electricity effectively.
The sodium and water in the human body contribute significantly to the ability of the body to conduct a current, and an electric shock occurs when electricity passes through specific body components. The majority of the time, this happens when a direct source of electricity comes into touch with a person. A pool of water or a metal pole are examples of additional conductors through which it may enter a person.
The breakers should be turned off before making repairs or working with electrical outlets to prevent shocks. It is also recommended to wear protective gear and get a second person to sign off on the work.
The outlet also suggested that emergency services should be contacted if anyone experiences an electric shock, and the power source should be turned off.
WireChief also suggested leaving the electrical works to experts. While fixing electrical problems to save money is tempting, it could be a recipe for disaster.
Additionally, there are risks from amateur electrical jobs and issues that may not be visible at first but could spark fire at any time. The outlet noted that DIY repairs and upgrades to a faulty appliance are dangerous.
Check out more news info about Medicine and Health in Science Times.