Child Injured After Live Municipal Wire Sparks Panic in Top Town

Komani, Eastern Cape – A child was injured in Top Town on Monday afternoon, 16 February, after a live municipal electrical wire burst and sparked, causing panic and sending the boy fleeing for safety before he fell and struck his head.

The incident occurred shortly after electricity supply had been restored to part of the area. According to Enoch Mgijima Local Municipality spokesperson Lonwabo Kowa, municipal officials were alerted to reports of an overhead cable burst soon after power was switched back on.

“I can confirm that yesterday afternoon, after power supply had just been restored for a portion of Top Town, there was an unconfirmed overhead cable burst that allegedly occurred,” Kowa said. “Officials quickly went to the site to check on the child and switched off the electricity supply to calm the situation and investigate.”

He added that municipal officials also visited the hospital to assess the child’s condition and check for possible electrical-related injuries.

Sparks, smoke, and panic near the red bridge

The injured child described how the incident unfolded while he was walking home from practice and approaching the red bridge, a route they regularly use.

He explained that an electrical component suddenly burst, sending sparks flying into the air.

“As we were passing, there was an electrical box where it just burst out, and there were sparks coming out,” he said. “There was smoke all over the place, and white things were flying. We ran because we didn’t want to be hit.”

The boy said the situation quickly became chaotic, with smoke and sparks filling the area and reducing visibility.

“We couldn’t see properly because of the smoke, and the sparks were flying. We were running down the bridge, and then we fell.”

During the fall, he struck his head on the concrete and suffered additional injuries.

“I hit my head on the concrete. I think my arm was dislocated, and I injured my knee. I was bleeding a lot from my head.”

Despite his injuries, he managed to get up with the help of his brother and move away from the danger.

“It was still sparking and burning behind us, so we kept going,” he said. “There was a lot of blood on my head.”

Help from bystanders and trip to hospital

The injured child said nearby members of the public assisted him after noticing his injuries.

“People asked if I was okay and gave me a bandage,” he explained. “Later, someone helped me get home, and my grandmother took me to the hospital.”

He described the experience as deeply distressing.

“What we saw was traumatising. We usually walk there, and nothing like this has happened before. It all happened so fast, and we will never forget it.”

Komani News has received parental permission to publish video footage showing the child after the incident. His identity has been protected because he is a minor.

Municipality responds and investigates

According to Kowa, the municipality’s preliminary findings indicate the child was not struck directly by electrical cables.

“We can safely confirm that the child was not struck by any cables. From the information received from the child’s family, he stumbled while running away after the burst occurred and was injured when he fell,” he said.

He added that the municipality was saddened by the incident and the distress it caused.

“The municipality is saddened that the incident caused panic.”

Officials switched off electricity in the immediate area following the incident to ensure public safety while inspections were carried out.

Community concern after frightening incident

The incident has raised concern among residents in Top Town, particularly given the unpredictable nature of electrical infrastructure failures and the potential danger posed when live wires spark or burst.

While the child was not electrocuted, his injuries highlight the serious risks associated with electrical faults, especially in public areas where pedestrians are present.

Residents are urged to exercise caution around electrical infrastructure and report any sparking, exposed wires, or unusual electrical activity to authorities immediately.

Komani News will continue to monitor developments and provide updates as more information becomes available.