A warning to kite flyers during the school holiday

Lady Ridgeway Hospital for Children states that although kite flying has become popular among young children during the school holiday season and prevailing dry weather, accidents caused by careless kite flying have increased. The acting director of the hospital, Consultant Physician Dr. Pradeep Ratnasekara, states that parents and adults should immediately take responsibility and pay attention to this matter.

There is a high tendency for children to suffer serious injuries and life-threatening risks due to falls when attempting to fly kites from high ground or locations, as well as collisions that occur when flying kites in groups. Especially, flying kites near high-voltage power lines is very dangerous, and if a kite string gets entangled in a power line, electricity can instantly pass through the body, leading to fatal accidents.

As a result of such electric shocks, tissues, blood vessels, and nerves in children's hands, arms, and chest areas are severely damaged. The doctor emphasizes that in some cases, these damaged body parts even need to be surgically removed. Therefore, adults should act responsibly to prevent children from flying kites near power lines, prioritizing both their enjoyment and their safety.