Teen loses limbs to electrical burns from TV wire

A 14-year-old Junior High School (JHS) student has lost both forearms, hands and one leg due to electrical burns while holding a wire in a television set.

The incident occurred on Christmas day last year when the boy (name withheld), a resident of Hobor, a local community in Accra, came into contact with the wire from the television in his home. 

A powerful electric current is said to have surged through his body, causing him to lose consciousness.

Emergency responders transported him to the Kwameanu Ashalajah Hospital, where he regained consciousness with severe burn injuries. 

Due to the extent of his condition, he was later transferred to the Amasaman Hospital where he was referred to the National Reconstructive Plastic Surgery and Burns Centre (NRPSBC) at the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital on January 1, 2025.

Despite the efforts of doctors and nurses at the centre, the severity of the burns left no option but to amputate his limbs to prevent further complications.

Recovery efforts

In a show of compassion, an Indian philanthropic group, Maa Sherawaali, donated GH¢25,000 to support the boy’s medical treatment and upkeep, easing his family’s financial burden.

The group has also pledged continued assistance as he navigates the challenges ahead.

Currently, a dedicated team of doctors, nurses, psychologists, nutritionists, physiotherapists and educators are working together to support his rehabilitation. 

He is undergoing training to write with his leg and is gradually adapting to his new reality.

Doctors say the boy is now in stable condition and communicating well. 

He is expected to undergo a final surgical procedure in May, which will involve skin grafting to cover the amputated areas and the fitting of artificial limbs to aid mobility.