In an unfortunate incident, a class 5 student of Mathara Islamic Residential Higher Secondary School in Kozhikode died on Friday morning when an electric pole fell on him after it was hit by the school bus.

The incident occurred at around 9: 20am in the school playground. 

The boy was rushed to the Medical College, Kozhikode, but he could not be saved. The deceased has been identified as Adhish and he was 11 years old.

Police have registered a case in Kozhikode City Traffic Police Station under IPC and the body has been released to the boy’s family after inquest.

Sreejith, SI, Kozhikode City Traffic Police Station told TNM that, “We are investigating into the matter. A case has been registered under IPC 279 (rash driving or riding on a public way in a manner as to endanger human life) and 304 A (causing death by negligence). For now, we have gathered that it was an accidental death and the post had hit the boy causing a head injury. The investigation is in progress." 

According to the school authorities, the children were playing under a tree near the electric post when it fell, as the school bus hit it while reversing.

“It was an unfortunate incident. It happened around 9:20 am. Children usually spend time under a tree, which is next to the post. After the school bus hit the post by mistake while reversing, the post started reclining slowly. Children began to run but Adhish could not notice what was happening”, a school official told TNM. 

“The post hit the boy’s head and we took him to the Medical College immediately. Hospital authorities tried their best to save the boy, but failed”, added the school official.

Meanwhile, the locals have staged a protest alleging that there was serious lapse on the part of the school authorities in ensuring the safety of the children.