SHILLONG : Three children lost their lives after they came into contact with a live electric wire that had fallen onto a road at Umtangling village under Umiam Police Station in Ri-Bhoi district on Wednesday afternoon.
According to preliminary information, the tragic incident occurred at around 2 pm when an electricity wire snapped and fell onto the road. Unaware that the wire was still carrying a live current, the children walked along the road and were electrocuted. All three died on the spot.
Umtangling village headman Bah Bok Nongbsap said that two of the three deceased children were siblings aged 11 and 12 years.
He alleged that the village had repeatedly informed the Meghalaya Energy Corporation Limited (MeECL) about damaged electric lines and a faulty transformer in the area. However, he claimed that no action was taken by the power utility despite the complaints.
Police have launched an investigation into the incident, while the bodies have been shifted to the hospital for post-mortem examination and other legal formalities.
The incident has raised serious concerns over the maintenance of electrical infrastructure and the need for prompt action on complaints regarding damaged power lines to prevent such tragedies.