An act of hope for a child such as turning on the light of a christmas tree ended in tragedy. The tragic event occurred in the community of Santo domingo, in Caaguazú, Paraguay. A 13-year-old boy died after suffering an electric shock while connecting the lights to his Christmas tree the night of last December 1st.
A moment of joy that turned into tragedy
According to the testimony of the madre of the minor, she was at a neighbor’s house when she heard her son’s screams. When he arrived at his home,he found his son lying on the ground,with burns visible throughout the body.
The mother quickly called the firefighters, who managed to stabilize the minor and They were transferred to the Juan E. O’Leary Hospital. However, doctors could not save his life due to the severity of injuries. The child was declared dead minutes after arriving at the emergency room.
What caused the electric shock?
Investigations by the authorities revealed that The minor’s feet were wet when he plugged in the Christmas tree. According to the deputy chief of the local police station, Cristian Fariña, the boy had just taken a bath and stretched an extension cord to the tree, which caused the discharge fatal.
In addition, the conditions of the home’s electrical installation were poor, which aggravated the incident. Fariña pointed out that “the electrical connection was also very precarious.”
What are teh most common electrical safety risks during the holiday season?
Interview Between Time.news Editor and Electrical Safety expert
Editor: Thank you for joining us today to discuss a tragic incident that occurred recently in Santo Domingo, Paraguay, where a 13-year-old boy lost his life due to an electric shock while connecting Christmas tree lights. Can you provide us with some insights into the factors that contributed to this tragic event?
Expert: Thank you for having me. this incident is deeply heartbreaking and highlights several critical issues surrounding electrical safety, particularly during the festive season. As reported, the boy suffered a fatal electric shock while attempting to plug in the Christmas tree lights, and key factors such as wet feet and poor electrical installation played a significant role.
Editor: Water and electricity are a hazardous combination.How crucial is it for families to be aware of the risks when decorating for the holidays?
Expert: It’s absolutely essential for families to recognise the risks. Water conducts electricity, and even minor exposure can lead to severe injury or fatality. When decorating, especially with electrical items such as Christmas lights, individuals should ensure that their hands and feet are dry and that they are standing on a dry surface.
Editor: The investigation revealed that the boy had just taken a bath and stretched an extension cord to the tree. Can you explain how these conditions may have contributed to the accident?
Expert: Certainly. In this case, the boy’s wet feet likely increased the risk of electric shock. When he plugged in the extension cord, the likelihood of any electrical fault leading to a fatal discharge was considerably heightened due to the combination of moisture and the unsafe electrical conditions at his home. Additionally, it’s reported that the family’s electrical connections were precarious, which is another layer of risk that cannot be overlooked.
Editor: What advice would you give to families to prevent these tragic accidents while decorating for the holidays?
Expert: Firstly,ensure that all electrical connections are properly installed and maintained. If ther are any doubts about the safety of the home’s electrical system, consult a licensed electrician. Secondly, always plug in lights and other electrical decorations with dry hands and feet. Use grounded extension cords that are rated for outdoor use if decorations are exposed to the elements.Lastly, purchase lights and decorations from reputable brands that meet safety standards, and avoid overloading circuits.
editor: This incident also raises awareness about the importance of educating children about electrical safety. How can parents approach this topic?
Expert: Educating children about electrical safety can begin with simple and engaging conversations. Parents should explain the dangers of electricity in relatable terms and emphasize the importance of dry conditions when handling electrical appliances. Moreover, it’s beneficial to teach them to ask for adult supervision when using electrical devices. there are also several safety programs and resources available that can assist in making learning about electrical safety fun and informative.
Editor: Thank you for sharing these vital insights. This conversation underscores the need for greater awareness around electrical safety during the holiday season. Is there anything else you would like to add?
Expert: Just a reminder that the holiday season should be filled with joy and festivity, but safety must always come first. By taking the necessary precautions and ensuring electrical safety, we can avoid such tragedies and create a safer environment for everyone. Thank you for addressing this vital issue.
Editor: Thank you for yoru time and expertise. We hope this discussion will encourage families to prioritize electrical safety during the festive season.