KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 14 — An electric arc triggered when a flagpole came too near an overhead high-voltage line caused the incident that injured three teenagers during a religious procession in Alor Setar last night, Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB) said today.
Based on its preliminary investigation, the national utility said the discharge flashed when a tall flagpole carried by participants breached safe clearance distances near the transmission line along the procession route in Mergong.
TNB expressed deep sympathy for the victims and said it is praying for their speedy recovery, confirming that it will cooperate fully with authorities to assist ongoing investigations.
“The public is advised to always put safety first and to ensure that any tall objects, including flagpoles, are kept at a safe distance from power lines,” it said in a statement.
The three victims, comprising two 17-year-olds and a 16-year-old, were rushed to Sultanah Bahiyah Hospital in Alor Setar following the incident at around 9pm and admitted to the emergency red zone for intensive care.
Mergong Vegetable Temple Association secretary Chah Boon Chuan said thousands of devotees were marching along the main road when gusty winds during light rain blew a large flag towards the live cables.
One youth was holding the bamboo pole while two others were walking beside him when the flashover struck.
Chah said this was the first time such an accident had occurred during the annual event, which prompted public concern after viral videos showed the victims collapsed on the road.