14-Year-old JHS 2 student loses limbs to electrical shock

A 14-year-old boy, who has lost both upper arms and one leg following a domestic accident, has begun the difficult road to recovery and is adjusting to the new life of not being able to use his natural limbs.

The accident occurred last December 25, 2024, when the victim, a junior high school student and a resident of Hobor, a local community in Accra, came into contact with a naked electrical wire as he tried to fix a television cable, unaware of the risks involved.

He has since January 1  been receiving treatment at the National Reconstructive Plastic Surgery and Burns centre (NRPSBC) of the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital.

Presently in stable condition, the victim is scheduled for the final stage of surgery, which involves skin grafting to cover up the amputated areas, as well as the fixing of artificial limbs to support him to walk.

This has been scheduled for May. 

Also, as part of the recovery, various professionals such as doctors, nurses, psychologists, nutritionists,  a physiotherapist and a teacher are all working hand-in-hand to give him a new start by training him to cope with his remaining leg.

Incident

The incident occurred when the victim attempted to fix a problem with the wire connected to the television, however, a powerful electrical current passed through his body, and he lost consciousness.

He was rushed to the Kwameanu Ashalajah Hospital where he regained consciousness but sustained severe injuries.

He was subsequently transferred to the Amasaman Hospital for further management but was referred to the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, where after assessing the extent of injury and damage, the decision was made to amputate the affected limbs to prevent further complications.

Support

Touched by the plight of the boy, an Indian philanthropic group, Maa Sherawaali has donated  GH¢25,000 to him to help take care of his medical bills.

The group has also promised to provide more support as he goes through the difficult phases of recovery.

Receiving the donation, a representative of the family expressed gratitude for the support, describing it as “a great relief as we have to deal with the emotional and financial burden of taking care of him.”

A representative of the group said the plight of the young boy serves as a powerful reminder of the dangers of electricity and the importance of ensuring that electrical work is carried out by qualified professionals.

“Also, parents and guardians must do well to educate and monitor their children on the risks of handling electrical appliances and exposed wires and a call for heightened awareness and safety around electrical hazards,” the rep stated.